Charlene Rae Clay, age 60 of Lomax, Illinois died at 11:03 P.M. Friday March 7, 2008 in the emergency room of the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born May 2, 1947 in Canton, Illinois, the daughter of Ray Eugene and Laura Jane Ellison Kalar. In 1974, She married John Lee Clay. They later divorced.

Charlene was a retired certified medical technician. She enjoyed reading and working crossword puzzles.

Survivors include one daughter - Melinda McCoy (and her fianc Rick Cook) of Sciota, Illinois, one son - Jason Clay (and Tiffany) of West Burlington, Iowa, five stepchildren, eight grandchildren, several step grandchildren, two great grandchildren, three sisters - Delores Rodeffer of Blandinsville, IL., Elaine Hand of Sand Springs, OK., Jane Ann Hershman of Lomax, IL., and three brothers - Keith Kalar of Jacksonville, IL., Rodney Kalar of Lomax, IL., and Steve Kalar of High Point, NC. She was preceded in death by one brother - Carl Kalar.

Friends may call after 2:00 P.M. Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe, where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday. Cremation rites will follow visitation. A memorial fund has been established for the family .