Clara McNeal

Clara Frances McNeal, 88, of Frankfort, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at her home in Frankfort. She was born in Goshen Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania on November 27, 1932 to Clark Edwin and Irene Elizabeth (McLaughlin) Smith. She married William J. “Bill” McNeal on June 27, 1954 at Goshen Methodist Church in Clearfield County, PA; he passed away on January 26, 2021.

Clara was a 1949 graduate of Clearfield High School in Clearfield County, PA.  She then furthered her education by receiving her diploma as a registered nurse. Clara had worked for the former Clinton County Hospital, for 26 years of which 13 of those years she was the Head Nurse in the Recovery Department. She was a member of the Clinton County RN Club, Red Cross, and St. Matthew United Methodist Church, where she served on the altar flower committee. Clara was known for her letter writing, gardening and flower beds but more importantly known in the neighborhood as nurse, caregiver, and mom.

Clara is survived by her children, Brenda Kay McNeal (husband Herbert Engle) of Milton, DE, Peggy Ann Farlow (husband Jay) of Fort Wayne, IN, and Pamela Lynn McNeal-Laue (husband Steve) of Sun City West, AZ; brothers, Larry Smith and Clyde (Martha) Smith of Shawville, PA, Gene (Lois) Smith of Pittston, PA,; sisters, Hazel Slater of Broomall, PA, Ruth Bechtel of Shawville, PA, Lora (Billy J.) Layton of Mulberry, Rosemary (Jim) Smith of Shawville, PA, grandchildren, Ian Laue of Sun City West, AZ and Sean Laue (wife Mei Yang Laue) of Surprise, AZ; and great-grandchild, Lance Yang Laue of Surprise, AZ.

She is preceded in death by her husband; brother, Frank Smith; brothers-in-law Stan Slater, Russell Bechtel; sister, Dorothy (Ernest) Hauck and sisters-in-law, Shirley Smith, Carol Smith.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort with Pastor Phil Lake officiating.  A private family burial will be held in Green Lawn Cemetery, Frankfort.

In adherence to the current CDC guidelines, it is requested that guests follow the appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks.

Memorial contributions in Clara’s honor may be made to Clinton County Cancer  258 ½ Fourth St.  Frankfort, IN  46041. Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.