Anna Louise Clay, known simply as Anna to her family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital in Warsaw.
She was born on Jan. 13, 1936, in Kendallville, to Franklin Harvey and Norma Irwin Henwood. Anna lived a remarkable life filled with love, dedication, and service. She was 88 years old at the time of her passing.
Anna was the loving and devoted wife of Richard Monroe Clay for 51 years. Richard preceded Anna in passing in October of 2020. Anna dedicated 47 years of her life to education with most of her career spent at Milford Elementary School. Anna was known for her strong work ethic and passion for teaching, and she continued to show her love of teaching by volunteering at North Webster after retirement. Her impact on the lives of her students extended far beyond the classroom.
Education was a cornerstone of Anna's life as she pursued her own academic journey. She attended North Webster Elementary in her youth, furthering her studies at Ball State Teachers College and Manchester College, where she earned a master’s degree. Her commitment to learning and growth was truly inspiring.
Those who knew Anna best would describe her as someone who always "told it like it is" - a feisty spirit with a heart of gold. In her free time, Anna was a lifetime member of the Indiana Teachers Association and a proud member of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority. She had a passion for reading and was known to have read thousands of books across various genres. She would share the books she’d read with her daughters, and daughters-in-law by the bag full. Anna also had a deep interest in family history and genealogy, cherishing her roots and heritage.
One of Anna's greatest joys in life was baking for her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, ensuring that there were always sweets to enjoy during their visits. Her loving nature and thoughtfulness will forever be remembered by those whose lives she touched.
Anna is survived by her four children: Jeff (Diane) Clay, of Warsaw; Steve (Anita) Hill, of Portage; Brenda Barefoot, of Olathe, Kan.; and James (Nancy) Clay, of Warsaw; along with 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in passing by daughter, Penny Groves; and her husband, Rick Groves; sister, Noreta Mort and her husband, Jack Mort; two brothers, Oscar Henwood and Leroy "Buck" Henwood and his wife Judy Ann Henwood; son-in-law, Clark Barefoot; and niece, Kathy Henwood.
Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, is entrusted with care of Anna and the family. A graveside service is planned for Friday, July 5 at Leesburg Cemetery, 653 W. CR 675N, Leesburg. The service begins at 11 a.m.
Written condolences may be left at www.TitusFuneralHome.com.