BOURBON – Norma Jean “Jeanie” Clauss, 83, Bourbon, passed away peacefully at 8:39 p.m. Dec. 23, 2013, with her family by her side in Advocate BroMenn Hospital, Normal, Ill., after a courageous battle with lymphoma. She was born in 1930 in Rochester to Dean Nellans Sr. and Ethel Tucker Nellans. On March 23, 1952, she married Glenn “Bud” Clauss, who preceded her in death. Together they raised four children and were lifetime farmers with Clauss Farms Inc. She graduated from Mentone High School in 1949. Following high school she graduated from International Business College, Fort Wayne. Her mother, Ethel Nellans, was a charter member of the Mentone Anthony Nigo chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, of which she was also a dedicated member. She was always running from field to field and was “meals on wheels” during the busy times. She kept busy gardening, canning fruit and freezing vegetables. She loved her snapdragons and petunias, even the volunteers. Every day she diligently filled her hummingbird feeders. In the winters they enjoyed being snowbirds in Avon Park, Fla. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed being with her many friends in the evenings to enjoy euchre, dominos and a variety of delicious snacks. Surviving are a sister, Juanita Paulus, Rochester; a brother, Dean Nellans Jr., Mentone; a daughter, Michelle (and spouse Jeff) Bormet, Bourbon; and two sons, Bruce (and spouse Bobbie) Clauss, Bourbon and Mark (and spouse Janel) Clauss, Bloomington, Ill.; five grandchildren: Brad, Branden, Cayla, Courtney and Mara; and two great-children, Mallory and Brysen. She was also preceded in death by a sister. Geraldine Smith; an infant son, David; and daughter, Linda. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Country Church, north of Bourbon. Burial is at Sandridge Cemetery, approximately 2 miles from the church. Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home is in charge or arrangements. ***** Memorials may be made to Country Church, where she attended for more than the last 40 years, or the National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be sent via deatonclenfh.com
