Catherine Kelley Claussen

Mrs. Catherine Kay Kelly Claussen, age 86 of DeFuniak Springs passed away Sunday morning, February 23, 2014 in Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, surrounded by her family. She was born March, 28, 1927 the daughter of Marion Butler Kelley and Ethel Beatrice Williams Kelley. Kay worked in the restaurant industry most of her life and will be remembered as operating the Bus Station Restaurant in DeFuniak Springs where most of the locals would come in for their regular coffee gathering. On one occasion Kay invited Lawton Chiles to have lunch with her when he was passing through and he gladly accepted. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, working with her flowers, but her dearest joy was having her family and friends with her. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband Duane Claussen, her sister Doshia Bray, her brothers Curtis, Joe, Wilbur, Charles and Loyce Kelley and stepson Ronald Claussen. Kay was a member of Indian Creek Baptist Church.

She is survived and will be greatly missed by her daughters, Jeanette R. Kennedy of San Antonio, Texas; Sue Carlan and husband Rodney; Ann Loyed and husband Randy of DeFuniak Springs. Step daughters, Kay Richard and Judy Claussen of Michigan. Step daughter-in-law, Pat Claussen of Fort Walton. Her sisters, Maudree Brown and Ruby Pfahlert of DeFuniak and her brother, Alvin Kelley and wife Sheri of South Carolina. Twelve grandchildren, twenty three great grandchildredn and four great great grandchildren also surive.

Floral arrangements are being accepted or memorials may be made in Catherine Kelley Claussen’s memory to Covenant Hospice , Alzeheimer’s Research or Indian Creek Baptist Church. A time of visitation will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 10 until 11 A.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel with the funeral beginning at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Scott Koppel officiating. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery.