Clara Bess, 102, was born on January 27, 1919 to Ernest M. Edie and Joe Ellen Miller Edie in Rogersville, MO and passed away on July 22, 2021 in Springfield. Clara Bess was the youngest of four children born to Ernest and Joe Ellen. Ernest's job with the Frisco Railway eventually took the family to Aberdeen, MS where Clara Bess graduated from Aberdeen High School and also met the love of her life, Allen. Allen (AV) and Clara Bess (CB) both attended the Chillicothe Business College after high school. They were married on May 25, 1941 before AV joined the Army to serve during WWII.

CB was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Paul Edie, Lillian Umphries and Ray Edie, husband AV, her daughter in law Elaine Eikner, and grandson Joshua Eikner. Survivors include children John Eikner, David Eikner and wife Shay, and daughter Jo Ellen(Jodie) Fuentes and husband Eric, grandchildren Jason Eikner, Matthew Eikner, Benjamin Fuentes and Rachel Fuentes Richey, and three great grandsons Eli, Van and Ace Eikner.

CB was mother to many of those who passed through their home earning her the nickname of "universal mother". She never knew a stranger and would easily strike up a conversation with people. CB was dedicated to home, family and her beloved South Street Christian Church, putting in countless hours of volunteered time to the church, serving on committees, teaching Sunday School, church camp counselor, and making the famous South Street Apple Pies for sale at Christmas.

CB had a zest for life and could often be considered a bit feisty. In her 50's Clara took up the game of tennis and was an avid player until the age of 88. CB's circle of friends grew through her tennis buddies, whom she continued to see on a regular basis until the pandemic limited visitors to nursing facilities. She and AV had season tickets to the Springfield Lazers and CB could get into watching professional tennis matches on TV, fussing at her favorite player for missing a shot. A broken hip in November of 2016 slowed CB down a bit landing her at The Manor to spend her remaining days. The doctors warned us that people who break a hip at her age often do not survive beyond a year. They obviously did not know CB's strong will and determination. At The Manor she became well loved by the staff, continuing to touch people's hearts and lives with her spirit.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday July 26th 11am at South Street Christian Church, 500 South Street, Springfield. The body will be cremated. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations to be made to South Street Christian Church in Clara Bess's honor.