Clara Cheek

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Clara Eleanor Cheek, 94, of Carterville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025.

Born on September 16, 1930, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Edwin Calhoun Sanford and Margaret Eleanor (Taylor) Sanford. Clara spent much of her childhood on a farm in Nortwest Arkansas. In her late teens, she moved to Joplin, Missouri, where she met Homer Wayne Cheek. The two were married on May 28, 1949, in Bentonville, Arkansas. Together, they built a life filled with love and faith while raising their three sons and living in Oklahoma, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Missouri.

Clara and Homer were deeply involved in their church communities wherever they lived. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, they served at Cincinnati Avenue Christian Church and later at Valley Road Church of Christ in Warrington, Pennsylvania. For many years in Joplin, Missouri, Clara was a dedicated leader at Mount Hope Church of Christ, where she organized and served through the church kitchen as part of her commitment to fellowship and service. Beyond her church work, Clara contributed to her community by volunteering at polling places during elections and assisting with Soroptimist Club events.

Known affectionately as “Gram,” Clara cherished her role as a grandmother to seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Homer; siblings Bud, Sandy, Pat, Paul Eugene, Marilyn, and Mike; grandchildren Jesse and Brenda; and daughter-in-law Claire.

She is survived by her sons Terry Cheek of Spring Hill, Kansas; David (Joy) Cheek of Carterville, Missouri; and Brian (Carol) Cheek of Perkasie, Pennsylvania; Grandchildren: Sharon (Tim), Ben (Susan), Jon (Casey), Christa (Ebony), and Dan (Tracy). Great-grandchildren: Cheyanne, Katelyn, Lindsay, Lauren, Luke, Ethan, Noah, Jaxon, Ezra, Joseph, Julia, Caleb, Molly, Eleanor, and Judah. Great-great-grandchildren: Isabella and Samantha.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin, Missouri, 3701 E 7th St, Joplin, MO 64801, on Saturday, March 8 at 11:00am. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in honor of Clara’s life dedicated to serving others.