Clara Belle Marshall passed in peace January 8, 2020 at Medical City in Denton. She was born on January 19, 1927 in Hayesville, NC, to Wilford Grant and Clyde Burger. As the oldest child, she was predeceased by two brothers and sisters-in-law, Russell (Joan) from the Rock Falls, area and Preston (Marilyn) from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Her youngest brother and sister-in-law Robert Weldon and Betty Burger live in Rock Falls.

Clara met Jack Marshall in Dixon, Il, after WWII. They were married on June 23, 1946 in Ohio, IL then lived in the "barracks" of North Central College in Naperville. There, they had their first child, Linda Lee who married Bill Reedy. Scott Alan followed several years later. Suzanne Napoles was like a daughter for 40 years, making her daughter, Kelsey, Clara's granddaughter. Mama Clara taught Suzy about falling stars, stopping the car to explain and teach her to close her eyes and wish on the star. She was the best grandmother to Kelsey Rose that she could have ever had. Jack died in June, 2010, a week before their 65 ^th anniversary. Clara is survived by several cousins in NC and GA. Her numerous nieces and nephews were dear to her heart: Mike (Deb) Burger, Bonnie (Vern) Hanson, David (Peggy) Burger, Brad Burger (Pat Spryka), Steve (Neive Burger, Jeff Burger, Gregg (Linda), Teri (Dale) Lippens, and Bob (Theresa) Burger and their families,

To know Clara was to love her and feel loved by her. She was a loving wife, dedicated mother and mother-in-law, aunt and friend. While she lived in Albuquerque, Clara was honored by personal invitations to visit with her Navajo and Pueblo friends. She had an open and positive attitude, wonderful smile and twinkle in her eyes. Friends enjoyed her zest for life and enthusiasm when she could share her creativity and skills by teaching others. Clara practiced many crafts, including painting, knitting, sewing, and beading. Most recently, she insisted on making weaved keychains for everyone in her orbit. She was often generous to a fault.

Clara was most proud of being a mother and mother of the neighborhood kids in Moline, IL. She drove a blue convertible and piled Scott and his friends in to go to a nearby lake many times during the summers. She was also the popsicle lady of the neighborhood. Clara really enjoyed her time in the PTA, as a Brownie Scout leader and Den Mother for her son.

In the spring, some of her ashes will be joined with Jack's in the Santa Fe Veterans Cemetery. Then some of Jack's ashes will join Clara's to be buried in Sterling, IL with her parents. The family requests that monetary and/or volunteer donations be made to a charity that helps people who are homeless in your area.