Audrey Orpha McClaskey's Obituary
Audrey Orpha McClaskey, age 98, of Plano, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Fleur Heights Care Center in Des Moines.
Audrey was born on March 21, 1925 in Livonia, Missouri, the daughter of Ernie and Opal (Garr) Ruggles. On January 17, 1942, Audrey was united in marriage to Hugh B. McClaskey in Unionville, Missouri. Together, they began a lifelong journey that led to many memories for the McClaskey family.
Audrey was a very loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved spoiling her family with cooking, baking, making quilts and making candy at Christmas time. In her free time, she enjoyed camping, gardening, her dolls and garage sales.
Audrey had many jobs to help the family, and still took care of her family. She retired from Meredith Publishing Company. During retirement, she made sure that her life was all about family and friends. She was so very proud of all her family. We will all miss her laughter, her spirit, and her positive attitude on life!
Left to cherish Audrey's memory are her three children, Melvin (Anita) McClaskey of Arkansas, Linda (Billy) Rhoads of Winterset, IA and John (Sandy) McClaskey of Missouri; nine grandchildren; thirty-two great grandchildren and several extended family and friends.
Audrey was preceded in death by the love of her life, Hugh McClaskey on January 13, 2008; her parents, Ernie and Opal Ruggles; her son, Hugh Dwight McClaskey; her daughters-in-law, Sharon and Judy McClaskey; her sisters, Zelpha, Bethene and Mary Lou; and her brothers, Richard, George, Robert & David.
Funeral services will be held at 10AM, Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with Larry Bettis officiating. Burial will follow the service at Hilltown Cemetery southeast of Exline, Iowa. Visitation will take place Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville with the family greeting friends from 9:00AM-10:00AM. Memorials have been established to Furever Friends Rescue of Appanoose Inc. and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: McClaskey Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or on our funeral home Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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