Frances McClugage

1915 - 2016

Frances McClugage
DECATUR - Frances E. McClugage, 101, of Decatur gracefully departed her life on earth on Sunday, August 28, 2016, at 6:25 p.m., to be with her Lord and many past family members and friends patiently waiting for her to begin her new life above.
Frances was born on July 25, 1915, in Omaha, NE, the third child of Harry and Carrie (Rork) Schafer. She spent most of her formative years growing up in Peoria, IL, where she was actively involved in church, music, dance and performing at the Peoria Palace Theatre. Two years after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Samuel G. McClugage Sr., on July 4, 1936, at A Little Bit of Heaven outdoor park in Davenport, IA. Sam preceded her in death on August 29, 1987.
Frances spent her early years as a secretary at Peoria Abstract & Title Company, and served several years as a church organist and piano instructor in both Peoria and Morton. Following the family's move to Decatur in 1955, she also served as a secretary at the Mental Health Association and First United Methodist Church, from where she retired.
Throughout her lifetime, Frances was committed to sharing of herself, whether through her passion for music, her eye for detail in multiple arts and crafts endeavors, volunteerism efforts or her love for the church. She was an active member for many years of First United Methodist Church, including their Sanctuary and Bell Choirs; Kiwanianne Club of Decatur; Decatur Rug Hookers Guild; Order of the Eastern Star/Morton Chapter 974; various PTA organizations; and served as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother.
Frances' greatest gift of all was to her family, where her unending love and support knew no bounds. She instilled in her children the strong German and Irish values, character and work ethic that was her family dynamic.
Surviving are her daughters, Jo Ann (Robert W.) Miller and Kathi L. McClugage of Decatur and Shirley G. (David H.) Jones of Oreana; son, Dr. Samuel G. (Dr. Katherine St. Amant) McClugage Jr. of Hammond, LA; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; sisters, Evalyn (Dallas) Welbourne of Lenior City, TN, and Jacqueline (Arthur) Everhart of Peoria; and brother, Harold (Maureen) Schafer of Naples, FL.
Frances' family would like to thank Dr. Hima Atluri, Primrose Retirement Community staff and friends and Decatur Memorial Hospital for their exceptional loving care and support.
Per her wishes, Frances' body will be donated to science. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2016, in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, 201 W. North St., Decatur, IL 62522, with a reception following in Fellowship Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Shriners Children's Hospital or the Kiwanianne Club of Decatur.
The family of Frances E. McClugage is being served by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 N. Oakland Ave., Decatur, IL 62526. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.brintlingerandearl.com.
Mom, you will forever hold a very special, loving place in our hearts that mere words simply cannot fully express. You will be deeply missed...but we will see you again someday.