Clara R. Edwards

Clara R. Hixenbaugh-Edwards, 83, of Centralia, passed away, October 20 , 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Clara was born July 18, 1935 in Walnut Hill, IL, the daughter of Alva Eli Owens and Laura Lee (Rhynes) Owens. She married Billy D. Hixenbaugh and they later divorced. She married Ford Edwards in 1992 and he preceded her in death in 2003. Clara is survived by seven children: Major Dale E. Hixenbaugh and wife Major JoAnn of Rockford, IL, Marie Hixenbaugh of Centralia, Juvenile Hixenbaugh and special friend Kathy Fender of Centralia, Charlene Hays and husband Steve of Sandoval, Patti Hutton of Centralia, Sandy Shipley and special friend Bruce Tettemer of Salem, Danny Hixenbaugh of Centralia; fifteen grandchildren: Dana Bigelow and husband Jason of Peoria, IL, Joseph Hixenbaugh and wife Kendra of Niles, MI, Rebecca "Becca" Hixenbaugh of Peoria, IL, Michael Hixenbaugh of Centralia, Chantelle and husband Bryan Scholes of Brownstown, IL, Christina Lynch and husband Johnny of Centralia, IL, Carla Sodsaikich and husband Joby of Bangkok, Thailand, Chelcie Little of Centralia, IL, Chad Little of Centralia, IL, Angela Jo Hutton-Peters of Centralia, IL, James Shipley and wife Jill of Salem, IL, Robert Shipley of Salem, IL, Patrick Shipley of Salem, IL : Cristy Buchannan and husband Wesley of Wayne City, IL, Jason Hixenbaugh of Centralia, IL: twenty-seven great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren one sister: Rosemary Riechman and husband Jim of Richview, IL; one brother: Howard Owens of Huey, IL; two sisters-in-law: Katie Owens and Juanita Owens; several nieces and nephews; two step-daughters: Kathy Large and husband Kevin of Pontoon Beach, IL, Christina Meza and husband Tony of Baneberry, TN; eight step-grandchildren: Michael, Christopher, Tony, Brady, Brandy, Amber, Keith, Roger; five step great grandchildren; three special family members: Mikki Clark of Arizona, Tiffany Hixenbaugh of Centralia, IL, and Denis Peters of Salem, IL. Clara was preceded in death by her parents: Alva and Laura Owens; daughter: Debra Hixenbaugh Newman; husband: Ford Edwards; three brothers: Thomas, James, and Raymond Owens; one sister: Irma Williams; one grandchild: Jennifer Alli; daughter-in-law: Sherry Hixenbaugh; three sons-in-law: Gary Shipley, Dale N. Knolhoff, and Daniel Joseph Hutton; brother-in-law: Bill Williams; sister-in-law: Pauline Paine. Clara worked at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia for thirty-seven years, where she was known as "Hixie" to many co-workers. Clara was baptized at Orchardville Church and was a member of the The Rock Church in Centralia. She received the recognition through the Salvation Army of being a Silver Star Mother. She was known by one of her great grandsons Johnathan to be called "Bird Grandma". She was a devoted mother and grandmother, known for her cooking, cleaning, watching and feeding the outside birds. She enjoyed going to rummage sales with her granddaughter Chantelle. Most of all, Clara cherished the time she spent with her family. Funeral Services for Clara R. Hixenbaugh-Edwards will be held Friday, October 26 , 2018 at 11:00 am at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Major Dale Hixenbaugh and Pastor Steve Upchurch officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 25 , 2018 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, who is honored to be of service to the Clara R. Hixenbaugh-Edwards family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Clara R. Edwards

July 18, 1935 - October 20, 2018