One of the Greatest People of the Greatest Generation, Hetty A. McClave, passed away Saturday, March 10, 2019, at Carriage House in Steubenville at the age of 95. Hetty was born October 28, 1923, in Uhrichsville, Ohio, to the late Thomas I. and Celia Joach White. She attended Uhrichsville High School, where she was the editor of the yearbook and the first Homecoming Queen (an honor of which she was very proud).
Hetty attended Ohio University for a year, before marrying her high school sweetheart, Bud McClave, on February 19, 1944. Shortly after their marriage, Bud was off to join our forces in WWII, while Hetty joined those stateside assisting our troops. When Bud returned after the War, Hetty’s life changed dramatically.
Within the next eight years three children joined the McClave family: Jim, Barb and Di. While Bud completed his college education and began his role in running the family business, Hetty became a full-time Mom. As her children learned over the years, when Mom decided to do something, she didn’t accept anything other than being the best.
She also demanded the same of her kids – if you’re going to attempt something, strive to be the best. She set a number of wonderful examples: the best three-week summer vacations in a station wagon going all over our country; the best Christmas celebrations with the kids decorating the trees, carols and hot chocolate on Christmas eve, and wonderful surprises Christmas morning; the best family dinners at six every night; the best Friday night tradition of very buttered popcorn and Coke while watching the favorite family TV shows; and the best dinner-out treats at Coe’s restaurant. Hetty was also an avid golfer, having a group of close friends who played together.
As in everything else, she was determined to excel; she and her golfing buddies had loads of fun over the years. Hetty knew no strangers. When meeting others, the conversation was always more about them than her.
She cared about others and showed it with no pretense. Hetty made the world a better place through her caring, supportive, and optimistic approach to life and all those around her. Hetty is survived by her son, Jim (Mary Jay) McClave of Gainesville, FL; her daughter, Barb (Bill) Ware of Burlington, NC; her son-in-law, Charlie Whiston of Wilmington, NC (formerly of Kennebunkport, ME); grandchildren, “Joey” (Jeff) Furlow, Will (Amber) McClave, Kristin (Case) Hill, Jamie (Geno Rubeis) Baldwin, Michael Whiston, Laura Whiston, Anna Whiston; great-grandchildren, Caryss Baldwin, Celia Furlow, Jake and Luke McClave, Zach and Beckett Baldwin, Nicholas Hill; step-grandchildren, Emily (Chris) Baldwin, Matt Ware, Erin Kays; step-great-grandchildren, Alex and Erica Driver, Andrew Kays, and Evan DeMarr.
Hetty was predeceased by her husband, Bud, having celebrated over 70 years of marriage together, her daughter, Dianne McClave and granddaughter, Amy Whiston. Hetty’s family is grateful for the wonderful care she received at Steubenville’s Carriage House over the last four-plus years of her life. Roberta Smith of Carriage House was so dear to and beloved by Hetty, which gave us great peace of mind.
The family is so grateful for the loving friendship of Ray Scurry, who began as a driver for Bud and Hetty in 2013 and became their friend and angel. We couldn’t have done this without you, Ray and Roberta…you were blessings to Mom and you both will forever be part of our family. Services will be held at the Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, Ohio on Saturday, March 23.
Visitation will be held at 10 am, with the service immediately following at 11 am. Following burial at Fort Steuben Burial Estates, a lunch reception will be held at Shorac Family Center, across the street from the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to JDRF, 26 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 or National MS Society, P.O. Box 4527 New York, NY 10163.
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