Clara L. Lacey, 88, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2018, at home in Udall, Kansas.

Born Feb. 4, 1930, in Keith Township, Alfalfa County, Oklahoma, she was the daughter of Dorothea (Schwanz) and Albert "A.D." Cook. Her family moved to Udall in 1946 and she graduated from Udall High School in 1948. Clara was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ray Lacey, on May 8, 1949, in Udall, where the couple raised three sons and made their lifelong home. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last month.

Following a 28-year career with Wheat State Telephone Company in Udall, Clara retired in 1992. An active member of the Udall United Methodist Church, she served with the Ladies Auxiliary, United Methodist Women, Worship Committee, Lodean's Q-Bees quilting group and more. She gave her time and support to numerous other civic groups and activities, including the Sun Club, Co-Operettes, Udall Community Historical Society and Udall Fall Festival. A survivor of the Udall tornado on May 25, 1955, she granted countless interviews about the experience through the years and supported the establishment of the memorial monument in the city park, where she helped raise and lower the American flag.

Clara was an amazing cook who enjoyed baking, quilting and attending car shows and community events with Ray. She was the heart and soul of her family who loved being with her relatives and friends.

She is survived by her husband; sons, Rick (Pat) and Ron (Gayla), of Udall; brother, Richard Cook, of Longton, KS; sister, Glenda Jolley, of Westminster, CO; grandchildren, Angie (Ted), Melissa (Joe), Jodi, Shane (Roxie), Justin, and Hillery (Mike); 12 great grandchildren; and many other family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dale and Elmer Cook; and son, Rock.

A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, June, 8, at Udall United Methodist Church, 305 S. Church, Udall, KS. Interment will be at Udall Cemetery. Memorials are with Udall United Methodist Church, 305 S. Church, Udall, KS 67146, or Udall Community Historical Society, 109 E. 1st St., Udall, KS 67146.  Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.