Mildred McClavy, 99, of Des Moines, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2021, at home surrounded by her family. She was one of ten children, born on March 4, 1921, in Russell, Iowa to Grace and John McDonald. She was a teacher for nearly 40 years, starting her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Iowa. She taught thousands of children in the Des Moines Diocese at St. Anthonys, St. Pius, and Holy Trinity. She married her husband John (Jack) in 1947, they had eight children together.
Faith and family were the center of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed all family activities, listening to country music classics, attending family parties and vacations, bingo, and was always ready for a card game! She was known for her pancakes, wonderful pies, and her welcoming spirit--- there was always room for one more! Her ability to put faith and family first is a legacy that will be treasured by family and friends.
She is survived by her 7 daughters, Mary(Lynn) Barney, Peggy Erickson, Kate (Roger) Pearson, Julia (Mike) McQuiston, Connie (Tom) Hellmann, Jane (Jack) Kinney, Cindy (Paul) Cahill, and her daughter-in-law Terri McClavy, 26 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Sr, son John Jr. son-in-law John Erickson, great-granddaughter Lily Soper, her parents, and her nine siblings.
There will be a public visitation from 5 pm -7 pm, Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the Merle Hay Funeral Home at 4400 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines with all Covid restrictions in place, including mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing.
Due to Covid- 19 private family services will be held Thursday, February 11, 2021. Please visit the website https://www.facebook.com/htschooldm to view the service via Livestream at 10:30 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Holy Trinity School or Every Step Hospice.
