Clara Maude Thompson

Clara M. Thompson, 87, passed away Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with family by her side. She was born on February 10, 1938, a daughter of Lester and Lillie Wilson.

Clara, or Clara Maude to family members, grew up on the family farm near New Maysville in Putnam County along with her siblings, Harve Clark and Virginia Kay. There were always other family members, or people in need, living in their home throughout her life. Her parents always believed in helping others and serving their community, and Clara Maude lived her life the same way. She attended school in New Maysville, Bainbridge and graduated from Jefferson High School in Lafayette, IN.

On January 2, 1955, she married the love of her life, Richard Thompson. They started their family in West Lafayette while Dick was a student at Purdue University and remained there until he graduated in 1957. Clara remained a loyal Boilermaker fan the rest of her life.

Clara and Dick moved to North Salem in 1961, where he was teaching at North Salem High School and she quickly became active in the community. They raised their family there and gave them a childhood full of love and wonderful memories. Clara was involved in various community organizations and activities including PTO, volunteering in her children’s schools, the Order of the Eastern Star, Junior Study Club, served as an Eel River township trustee and board member, assisted Dick as chairmen of the North Salem Old Fashioned Days parade, served as Grand Marshall of the parade, and could always be found working in the concession stand at Little League baseball games. As a 55-year cancer survivor, she was involved in organizing local fundraising for the American Cancer Society.

The North Salem United Methodist Church was a very important and much-loved part of Clara’s life. She taught Sunday school, helped organize and taught at vacation bible school, attended church camp with her children, and cooked and served meals from the Birthday Banquet to bereavement dinners, as well as countless other events. However, her favorite role was as a leader and member of the coveted sisterhood of the Church Basement Ladies. Clara was quite often the instigator of their numerous shenanigans!

Although raising her family was Clara’s favorite role in life, she did work outside the home as her children grew. She started a nursery school in her home and educated, nurtured and loved dozens of children from the community. She then became the local Kindergarten teacher. She owned a clothing store, the Little Towne Shoppe, in North Salem, was a school bus driver for the Northwest Hendricks schools and manager of the Plainfield license branch.

Clara was also active in and served as an officer for several county and state organizations. She belonged to the Indiana Federation of Republican Women, the Hendricks County Republican Women, the Hendricks County Community Foundation Board of Directors and was on the Central Indiana Ivy Tech Community College board of directors. Clara was recognized as Hendricks County Citizen of the Year for her commitment to her community.

Clara always put her family first and was devoted to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She hosted family celebrations and holidays for not only her immediate family, but also for extended family. An invitation to Dick and Clara Maude’s house and the “Thompson Barn” was received with great excitement by all. She was a wonderful cook and was especially known for her chili and ham salad!

Clara was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Richard; her parents, Lester and Lillie Wilson; parents-in-law, Fred and Hazel Thompson; sister, Kay Clark; and grandsons, Noah Thompson, Chet Thompson, and Chad Thompson.

She is survived by her sons; Jeff (Michelle), Bert, Kent (Beverly), and Todd (Patti); daughter, Lori (Rick) Sheffer; grandchildren, Keith, Tylan, Matthew, Jordan, Cara, Caleb, Isaac, Quinton, Marissa, Abe, Lydia, Josiah, and Anna; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Harve (Dixie) Wilson; sister-in-law, Judy (Rick) Parent, and her loving caregiver, DeeDee Orazine. 

Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Eric MD Bell Funeral Home in Pittsboro, Indiana. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow services at Fairview Cemetery in North Salem.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Clara’s name to the Tri-West Dollars for Scholars via their website, or to the Hendricks County Community Foundation via their website, or at 6319 E US Hwy 36 Suite 211, Avon, Indiana 46123.