Mrs. Clara V Strawn

Clara V. (Jenny) Strawn, 91, of Columbia, MO passed away Thursday, December 10, 2015 surrounded by loved ones.

Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home on Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 1:00 – 2:00pm with funeral service at 2:00pm. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery on Monday, December 14, 2015 at 11:00 am.

She was born to Clarence E. and Mary E. Brown in rural Boone County on April 18, 1924. She was married to Estell Strawn, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Doris Wright, and her brother, Richard Brown.

She is survived and missed by her children, Mary Nelson, Steve Strawn, Shirley Kowalewski and husband, Tom; by her grandchildren, April Stariwat and husband Dan, Benjamin Strawn, Jesse Strawn, Samantha Strawn, Aleksy Kowalewski, Ginny Kowalewski, and Helena Steele; by her great-grandchildren, Tim Stariwat, Kat Stariwat, Anatahlia Kowalewski, and Casper Palmer; and by her great-great granddaughter, Brielle Stariwat.

Jenny worked in healthcare for many years, primarily in rehabilitation. She took care of several elderly family members as their health declined, and was a devoted caregiver for most of her grandchildren during the summertime, when they were sick, or whenever she was needed. Jenny loved spending time outdoors fishing, picking strawberries, and gardening. She was a collector of antiques, dolls, and rare trinkets. Jenny was a voracious reader, and appreciated literature of all kinds. She was fond of playing games with family, writing poetry, and telling stories. Though no amount of time ever feels like enough, Jenny’s family feels blessed to have enjoyed so many years with her.

Jenny’s family would like to thank the staff of Moberly Regional Medical Center for the wonderful care she received with them in her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.