Opal Claudine Howery, a 30-year resident of Clinton, passed away peacefully Friday the 13th of March, 2015 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital. Born in 1930 in Marshall, Missouri to Claude Richard Griffitt and Lola Alta Griffitt, Claudine graduated from Slater, Missouri High School in 1948. As an active parishioner of the Clinton Christian Church, Claudine was a woman of strong faith, and was a charter member of the Clinton Country Club. She enjoyed sharing her faith during bible study, gardening, flowers, hummingbirds, and golf (she was an ardent fan of Phil Mickelson). She was well known for her cheerful demeanor, positive attitude, and having a wonderful smile that could light up a room.

She is survived by her sister Genevieve (Genny) Bridges, her sisters-in-law, Donna Angstead (husband Frank), Kay Brame, and Beverly Griffitt, her son, Larry Howery (wife Nancy), and her daughter Teresa Cornelius (husband Robert). She also is survived by her grandchildren Heidi and Alex Cornelius, and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, and grandnieces that brought much joy into her life over the years. Her family members live in various locations throughout the U.S. and abroad including Arizona, California, Colorado, Haiti, Illinois, Minnesota, and of course in her home state, Missouri.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 18, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Clinton Christian Church, with a visitation one hour prior to service. Graveside services will be at 3:00 P.M., Wednesday March 18, 2015 at the Sunset Memorial Gardens, Marshall, Missouri. Family suggests memorial contributions be made to Clinton Christian Church and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences can be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.