Clara Helley, 64, of Plummer, MN died on Wednesday, December 9, 1998 at Hillcrest Nursing Home in Red Lake Falls, MN. Arrangements with Petterson Funeral Home Red Lake Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 12, 1998 at 2:00 PM in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Plummer, MN with Reverend Clarence Johnson officiating. Burial will be held in the Presbyterian Cemetery in Brooks, MN.

Visitation will be held on Saturday one hour prior to services at the church only.

Clara Ann Blair was born on February 19, 1934 in Wyandotte, MI daughter of Stewart and Ruby (McBride) Blair where she was raised and attended school graduating from high school there. Clara attended Mesa College in San Diego, CA where she received a degree in Business Administration. On January 5, 1954 she joined the Navy and served during the Korean War where she received the National Defense Service Medal. She was honorably discharged on April 12, 1956. On April 6, 1956 she was united in marriage to John Helley at Waukegan, IL. The couple lived in many places in the United States. John retired from the Navy and the couple returned to Plummer in September of 1978.
She was very active in the Boy Scouts, she was a member of the American Legion Post in Plummer and the Legion Auxiliary serving as president. Clara was a charter member of the National Association of Military Women, a member of the D.A.V. Auxiliary in Crookston and served as secretary for the AM Vets in Wheeling, IL and was a volunteer for the Special Olympics. She enjoyed playing bingo and fishing and also needle point, and was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church after the Presbyterian Church closed.
Clara is survived by her husband John Helley Sr. of Plummer, MN: children Helen Doughen (Dan) of Ramona, CA; Mary Kaullen (Kevin) of Ramona, CA; John Helley Jr. of Crookston, MN; Kermit Helley (Patti) of San Diego, CA and Barbara Bjerke (Jerry) also of San Diego, CA. Grandchildren Megan, Nicholas, Amy, Joshua, Carolyn, Thomas, Kyrsten, Delaney, Alanna.
She is preceded in death by her parents Stewart and Ruby Blair; infant children Robert Charles Helley and Horace Arthur Helley: brothers Stewart, Chuck and Daniel.
The family suggests donations to the Plummer Recreation Center.
ORGANIST: Dawn Halvorson
VOCALIST:Ross Arlt Angels Among Us
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS: Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art
CASKET BEARERS: Chris DuChamp, Jim DuChamp, Bernard DeHate, Ferd DeHate, Lonnie Longtin, Steve Eskeli.
HONORARY CASKET BEARERS: All of Claras family and friends.
MILITARY HONORS: Plummer American Legion Post and the Legion Auxiliary