Clara Agnes Schnake

Clara Agnes (Huff) Schnake, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on June 18, 2022, six days before her 97th birthday in Canton, IL. Clara was born in Centralia, IL on June 24, 1925, the daughter of Aloys Hicks and Helen Marie (Bowlds) Huff. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; son, Mark Allen; father and mother; siblings, Carl, Wilbur, Rose, Pat, Bob, and Phyllis.
Clara was a graduate of St Mary Grade School and Centralia High School. She later met and married the love of her life Bob on May 15, 1948 and began their 67-year life together. Bob's employment at Illinois Bell Telephone Co took them to Collinsville, IL and a few years later they settled down in Canton.
Clara was a homemaker, and many say a very talented cook. After the kids were raised, she spent time employed with the WIC program at the Canton Health Dept. She loved to prepare new recipes, collecting them from friends and often noting from whom or where the original recipe originated. Clara was also known to be a very good seamstress and often made matching outfits for her young children. She once tailored a very stylish Vogue coat with a Persian lamb collar. She left a legacy wherein several daughters sew and have themselves passed this on to their children.
Clara and Bob loved bridge and the lifelong friendships that were made. Together, they enjoyed couples bridge club. Clara enjoyed women's bridge club. They would setup their card tables in multiple rooms at home, prepare the clam dip and play cards into the evening.
She and Bob especially enjoyed taking the camper to Carlyle Lake to spend time with siblings, kids, grandkids, nephews, and nieces. Bob would bring the fishing boat and they would take rides on the lake. Clara and Bob were in love with dancing and often, could be found at the Knights of Columbus with friends dancing the night away.
Clara was a faithful follower of Christ and served Him devoutly in the church and in her life. A Member of St Mary Church in Canton for over 50 years she often served as lector at Sunday Mass. She was member of the Altar & Rosary Society and worked on Craft Bazaar. Clara had a beautiful voice and loved to sing around the house and especially during Mass at St Mary.
Clara is survived by siblings Mary (Centralia), Ray (Iowa) and Phillip (Texas); children Janice Roberts (Richard), River Forest, IL, Ann Steinhauser (Larry), Amherst, MA, Steve Schnake (Tina), Edwards, IL, Kevin Schnake (Tanna), Colorado Springs, Mimi Esworthy (Dale), Brentwood, TN, Eric Schnake (Cecilia), Atlanta, Kurt Schnake (Tammy), Carlock, IL, John Schnake (Mandy), Greenwood, IN and 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Clara leaves behind a legacy of love and family and will be greatly missed. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St Mary Church, 139 E Chestnut Street, Canton, IL 61520 on Saturday June 25, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be held prior to the Mass at St Mary Parish Hall, adjacent to the church from 9:45 AM - 10:45 AM. Interment will follow at St Joseph Cemetery.
Clara had been experiencing a steady decline due to symptoms of Alzheimer's. The family wishes to thank those who cared for her over the years and during her last days, especially the staff at Red Oak Estates, Dr Ken Krock, Compassus Hospice and Comfort Plus Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Mary Church in Canton and Alzheimer's Foundation of America.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com for the Schnake family.