Mrs. M. Claire Rodeffer, 103, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:40 A.M. at her son, Joe Rodeffers home in Abingdon, Illinois, where she had resided for the past four and a half years.

She was born on October 27, 1907 in Dallas City, IL, the daughter of Walter M. and Ethel Clark Avise. On June 28, 1930 she married John B. Rodeffer in Galesburg, IL. He preceded her in death on October 24, 1994.

She was a 1926 graduate of the Dallas City High School. She worked as a secretary in St. Louis, MO for two years. She then served as secretary at the LaHarpe School District and later at the Spoon River Valley High School in Fairview, IL . She was a member of the LaHarpe Senior Citizens, where she had served as director of the kitchen band, the Musical Bells. She was also a member of the Disco Embroidery Club, the Home Extension, the LaHarpe American Legion Auxiliary and the LaHarpe Christian Church where she and Joann Rodeffer were in charge of the toddler and baby nursery for many years. She served as a volunteer at the Lamoine Christian Nursing Home in Roseville, IL for several years. She enjoyed playing bridge, crocheting, knitting, painting, cooking, canning and ceramics. She was given a ride on a motorcycle by her granddaughter, Anna, on her 100th birthday at the Laharpe Christian Church.

She is survived by 2 sons, John Henry(Pat) Rodeffer of rural Dallas City, and Joe Allan(Ellen) Rodeffer of Abingdon, IL, 1 daughter, Claire Anne(John) Treat of Galesburg, IL, 10 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, 1 son, Jerry Lee Rodeffer, and 2 brothers, Frank and Rex Avise.

Services will be held Friday, February 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM at Banks and Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. Burial will be in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 PM Thursday at the Funeral Home where the family will meet with friends from 6:00-8:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church.