Macil Marie Claus, 93, of Smithland, Iowa, passed away peacefully and with family at her side, Sunday, October 5, at her home in Smithland.
Macil was born on December 20, 1920, in rural Smithland, Iowa. She was the daughter of Charles and Bethene (Cox) Hall. She attended Smithland School and graduated in 1938. She went on to attend NBT School in Sioux City. On January 2, 1943, she married Clemence Claus in Tacoma, Washington, where Clem was stationed with the US Army during WWII. While in Tacoma, Macil worked in the U.S. Ship Yards.
When Clem came home from overseas and was discharged, they moved to the family farm in rural Smithland. Macil was a stay-at-home Mom all the years on the farm. She was a hard worker, and always stayed busy taking care of her family, gardening, cooking, and serving others when needed. She was a 4H leader, a 70 year member of the German City Church, a 64 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and was Clerk of the Little Sioux Township for 40 years.
Clem and Macil retired from farming in 1983, and moved in to Smithland. Macil belonged to several card clubs, and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading, gardening, ceramics, and spending time with friends and family. She continued taking care of others needs by taking elderly to doctor appointments, visitations, etc. She was always the go-to person when help was needed.
She is survived by daughter Sheryl and husband Chuck Oddo of Valley, Ne., son Kent and wife Diane Claus of Smithland, Ia., grandchildren Brian and Anita Oddo, Sharmel and Mark Miller, Jason and Kelly Claus, and Jill and Adam Vander Schaaf; 14 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Clem, an infant daughter, her parents, and a brother, Donald.
Mom was always a source of strength and leadership and never complained. She maintained her great sense of humor and wit to the very end. She will be greatly missed.