Clara Mae Moore

Clara Mae Gehlken Moore, 104, passed away Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center.

She was born September 13, 1922, in Smithton, the fifth of eight children born to Joseph and Lula (Williams) Gehlken. On November 8, 1943, in Sedalia, she married Charles T. Moore, who preceded her in death on December 11, 2013.

Clara attended Smithton School. Growing up during the Great Depression, she completed the eighth grade and, like her siblings, went to work to help support her family.

After Charles was discharged from military service, he began working at the Missouri Pacific Shops, and the couple moved to a farm near Georgetown. Clara devoted herself to raising their family and was an active 4-H leader.

As her children approached their college years, Clara decided to return to school and continue her own education. In 1971, she earned her GED through State Fair Community College. The following year, she entered the licensed practical nursing program and passed her LPN boards. She worked for ten years on the Women’s Health Unit at Bothwell Regional Health Center before retiring in 1982.

Clara was proud of Charles and his years of service with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, where his work helped provide a good life for their family. After his retirement, they enjoyed traveling and taking daily walks together.

Clara was also involved with NARVRE (National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees), along with AARP and Helping Hands. She was an active member of Georgetown United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Mary Donna Ross, of Chesterfield, Catherine L. Teter (Mark), of Smithton, and Denise R. Turner, of Sedalia; three grandchildren, Theron Teter (Jen), Marcie Teter, and Damon Ross; and two great-grandchildren, Griffin and Catherine.

In addition to her husband of 69 years, Charles, and her parents, she was preceded in death by her seven siblings, Loyd Gehlken, Roy Gehlken, Ed Gehlken, Wes Gehlken, Mary Boatcher, Earnest Gehlken, and Edna Barnes; and two sons-in-law, E. Earl Ross and William Robert Turner.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Kenny Cripe will officiate.

Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Georgetown United Methodist Church or the Sedalia School District Foundation for the “Moore Family Scholarship,” which will be awarded to a student pursuing a career in education or nursing. Contributions may be made in care of Heckart Funeral Home.