Clara Jean (nee Anthony) Hanus, age 86, a lifelong resident of Munster, IN (formerly of Hammond, IN) passed away on Monday, May 18, 2020.  She is survived by her husband, Sigmund Hanus; children, Catherine (David) Ward, Nancy (David) Hehemann, Rob (Marnye Harr) and Dianne (David) Webber; grandchildren, Michael Hanus, Carl Hehemann, Matthew & Christopher Hanus and Derek & Ryan Webber.  Clara also had two little girls who she treated as her adopted granddaughters, Ava Ols (their neighbor) and Jasmine Haje (a caregiver’s daughter).  She just loved spending time with them.  Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Isabelle (nee Watt) Anthony, Sr.; sister, Phylis Gescheidler; brother, Earl Anthony, Jr.  and son, Michael Hanus.

Funeral Services will be held privately at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN with Pastor Quincy Worthington officiating.  Interment will follow privately at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens Crown Point, IN.  Visitation is private due to an abundance of caution under the recommendations of the CDC and the State of Indiana.

Clara was a member of Pine Street Presbyterian Church in North Hammond for most of her life.  She filled in as the pianist, was a Sunday School leader, President of Women in the Church group, a Deaconess and served as Chairman several times.  When Pine Street closed their doors, she joined Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster, IN and Clara became involved in the Wednesday Woman’s Bible study.  She and her husband helped clean and organize the Sanctuary after services.  Clara believed in what J-O-Y stood for: Jesus, Others and You.  She served as a room mother for her children during elementary school, was known for her baking and volunteered with the Salvation Army and Love, Inc. for a few years.

Clara loved music.  She enjoyed playing piano, listening to the radio or CD’s and dancing.  Clara was known for her hospitality and making everyone feel welcome in our home. She enjoyed feeding everyone and baking goodies.

She was a devoted grandmother to her grandchildren.  She and her husband watched four of the six boys from birth to five years of age which spanned a total of 20 years!  She and her husband visited the two other grandsons out of state as often as possible.  They loved to travel and visit family and friends across the United States.

Thank you to the neighbors and caregivers who helped us during the last 3-4 years.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or Westminster Presbyterian Church /Adopt a Family Christmas Fund.