Clara Fern Maddox, 81

Clara Fern Maddox, 81, passed away at HealthCenter NorthWest in Kalispell on Monday, April 17, 2006.

She was born on Aug. 18, 1924, in Cedar Bluffs, Neb., the daughter of Earl and Lula (Settles) Ruff, the second of four girls. Clara and her family moved to Springview, Neb., where she graduated from high school. She attended normal school and was awarded a Nebraska teaching certificate. She taught for several years in a one-room rural schoolhouse at Rocky Ford School on the banks of the Niobrara River.

In 1962 she joined the Valentine Clinic, where she studied nursing under the instruction of Dr. Wilbur Johnson and Dr. John Farner.

Clara practiced her nursing profession for 30 years and was known by many as 'Clara at the clinic.'

Clara moved to Bigfork in 1997, where she became actively involved in the Yellow Bay community and was soon elected to vice president of the Yellow Bay Auxiliary.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Lula Ruff; her husband, Wayne Maddox; and her sister, Vera Owens.

Clara is survived by her son, Jim, and wife, Martha, of Bigfork; grandson, Ryan, of Fullerton, Calif.; and her two sisters, Earlene Kuhl of North Platte, Neb., and Betty Cearfoss of Sun City, Ariz.

A memorial service for Clara Fern Maddox will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 4, in the Yellow Bay Clubhouse at mile marker 18, on the east shore of Flathead Lake.

Memorials in Clara's name may be made to the Yellow Bay Clubhouse or Hospice, send either to: c/o 23320 MT Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Clara's family.