Obituaries

Claire Louise Scott

Photo of Claire Louise Scott
Claire Louise Scott, 90, departed this earthly world to join her heavenly Father on Wednesday, February 27, 2013, at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, Kan., where she enjoyed the last years of her life. "Miss Claire", as she was lovingly known to many family and friends, was born April 25, 1922 in King City, Mo., the daughter of George and Ruby (Compton) Howery. She grew up as a spirited Irish girl in St. Joseph, Mo., with her older brother, Gerald, and her lifelong best friend and sister, Lillian, both of whom preceded her in death. After graduating from high school, Miss Claire worked at the Sunflower Army Ordinance Plant in Kansas, where she met and married Gordon Hetzel. They found their way to Jefferson City Mo., where she worked as a Binding Press Operator for Von Hoffmann Press in Jefferson City, Mo. for over 40 years and was a member of First Baptist Church in Jefferson City. In 1962, Miss Claire married Floyd E. Sullens, who preceded her in death in 1970. In retirement, she married the late LCDR (Ret) Clyde L. Scott and relocated to Bella Vista, Ark., where "Scottie" enjoyed his love of boating and fishing while Miss Claire nurtured her flowers and relished dinners with friends at the "yacht club". Miss Claire loved her family and could often be overhead bragging about her boys, Gene, Rick, Ronnie and Eddie to anyone who would listen. She loved to laugh, had many friends and was full of life. She knew few strangers and never hesitated to stop for a moment to make a new friend, who she always invited to visit or share a good meal. Survivors include: sons, Rick Hetzel, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Ronnie Hetzel, Reseda, Calif., Gordon Hetzel, Winfield, Kan., Floyd Edward Sullens II, Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Richard L. Hetzel II, Kristina Robin Lopez, Jeremy Hetzel, Lisa Hetzel, Rachel Munoz, Dana Sullens; and 10 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2013. at Aldersgate Village Chapel in Topeka, Kan. Graveside inurnment services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at the Hawthorne Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City, Mo. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions we would ask you to make a donation to your favorite charity in the name and spirit of Miss Claire. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com

Published March 7, 2013