Clara Fern Brenneman Bair died on Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 at her residence at Brookdale Assisted Living in Urbana, IL. She was 96 years old. She leaves two daughters, Kathleen Ruhter (David) and Sheila Bair (Scott Cooper), four grandchildren and five great grandchildren who loved her dearly. Born and raised in Parsons, Kansas, the daughter of Ona and Lewis Brenneman, Clara was fond of recalling her early years growing up on a farm, including the way she would sing to the cows to bring them in from the fields in the evening. Following the model of her beloved older sister, Evelyn, Clara went to nursing school, training at the Kansas University Medical Center, where she met her husband, Albert Bair. Clara worked as a nurse while Albert finished his residency in surgery. They later moved to Independence, Kansas where they raised Kathleen and Sheila. Clara gave up her career as a nurse to devote her caring skills full time to her family. After living in Independence for several decades, and watching their daughters go off to college and launch their own careers, Clara and Albert retired to Sun City, Florida, then later moved to Urbana, IL to be closer to Kathleen. Albert passed away there in 2009. Clara grew up during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. She was a frugal person who spent wisely, saved prudently, and invested with an acumen that would make Warren Buffett proud. Among her savviest investments was Exxon in the 1950's. As a nurse, Clara knew the importance of balanced nutrition. She never served a meal that didn't include a large salad and many vegetables. She was also an outstanding cook, her family's only complaint being that she never made enough to satisfy their appetite for her delicious cooking. She also knew the importance of physical activity, but found it in gardening, house work, sewing, and other homemaking ventures, not treadmills and weight machines. She had a good and kind heart, and at times, the innocence of a child. A very special part of her never grew up. A testament to her true nature: dogs loved her instantly and unconditionally. Whenever any dog saw her, it would make a beeline to seek her affections, ignoring all others when in her presence. Commemorative services will be held privately by the family. For those who would like to commemorate Clara, the family suggests that you plant a tree or flower in her honor.