Dorothy Elaine (Batho) Clare passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Friday, September 4, 2020.  She was a residentof the Plum City Care Center, Plum City, Wi. 

Dorothy was born February 11, 1924 in Union Township, Pierce County, WI. Dorothy was the Daughter of Lester and Leola “Lola” (Betterley) Batho.  She was the youngest of 5 children.  Dorothy was baptized at the Methodist Episcopal Church at Ono, WI.  She was a lifelong member of the Ono Methodist Church. Dorothy attended school at the Poplar Grove School.  (as we were told, had to walk uphill both ways to school and home.)  She later attended Ellsworth school district graduating in 1942.  Dorothy married Vernon Clare on September 12, 1945.  They farmed in Union Township until 1973.  As Dorothy put it: “We had to quit farming because the kids grew up and didn’t want to milk cows!  No more good help.” In 1973 they sold the farm and moved to Plum City.  Vernon and Dorothy then purchased the Plum City Lumber Yard.  Dorothy helped Vernon in the Lumber yard until they retired in 1991.  During this time, she also drove the little yellow school bus and made a bus trip to Durand each day.  After they retired, they enjoyed travelling in their motor home seeing family, National Parks, and spending winters in Le Feria, TX.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Clare and a son, Lester Clare, her parents. Lester and Leola Batho, Her sisters and their husbands, Eleanor and Fred Haverlandt and Marjorie and Gerald Greer, Her Brothers, George (Harold) and sister-in-law Rachel Batho, and Howard. She is survived by Alan and Debbie Clare of Maiden Rock, Wi, Brenda and Ron Bengtson of Medford, WI, Gayanne (Maggie) Clare of Dighton, MA, and Becky and Rick Dowd of Marshfield, MA.  Dorothy is also survived by 9 Grandchildren, Chad and Molly Clare of Bloomington, Mn, Brandon and Erin Clare of Maiden Rock, WI, Brett Bengtson (special Friend Carrie Szymanski) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Carrie and Nick Ziembo of Medford, WI, Brock Clare of Elmwood, WI, Tyler Clare of St Paul, MN, Jenn and Mike Albanese, Emma Dowd, and Colin Dowd, of Boston, MA area.   Dorothy also has 12 Great Grandchildren, Ethan and Allison Clare of Bloomington, MN, Jordan and Mason Clare of Maiden Rock, WI, Logan Bengtson of Eau Claire, WI, Everett, Grace and Ava Ziembo of Medford, WI, Autumn, Savannah, and Ivan Clare of Elmwood, WI, A Sister-in-Law, Arvilla Clare, and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services 10:30AM Saturday October 24, 2020 at the Ono United Methodist Cemetery, rural Plum City. A Celebration of Life will follow at Molly's on Main from 11:00AM - 1:00PM.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Jay Collett September 13, 2020, at 4:21pm

   Dorothy, shared the same name as my Mother, and shared the friendship of two of her children, Alan and Brenda. She will always be with us, because we remember her kindness to others.
   God Bless.

2. Mary Blanchard September 6, 2020, at 2:41pm

   Dorothy was a sweet, classy lady. Keeping all of you in our thoughts.

3. Mark Luebker September 6, 2020, at 1:24pm

   Grandma Dorothy! Well that’s what I called her for so many years. She and Vern trusted me and her grandson to keep the Winter Cottage open when they went south.

   Certainly wasn’t any pie, ice cream or jams and jellies left when they came home.

   Loved talking with her at the Seasons most recently. She always talked so positive about her family.

   God bless Clare Family.

4. Donna Tutor ( Burgess ) September 5, 2020, at 10:10pm

   My deepest sympathy to the whole family. She was such a sweet lady.

5. Joanne Hovey September 5, 2020, at 9:14pm

   Sympathy to Dorothy's family. She was quite a lady that left many great memories.

6. Shirley Madsen (Haglund) September 5, 2020, at 7:36pm

   So sorry for your families loss. Always enjoyed visiting with her in Plum City and as a patient.

7. John and Judy Parr September 5, 2020, at 3:43pm

   Hug’s to all

8. Irish Jade September 5, 2020, at 2:26pm

   Dorothy was the sweetest soul that I’ve ever had the pleasure to know through Plum City Care Center. She’ll be greatly missed. My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all who loved her.

9. Scott Watkins September 5, 2020, at 2:18pm

   My deepest sympathy, thoughts & prayers go out to the family. I enjoyed growing up as neighbors to Dorothy & Vernon!

10. KIM LARSON BRUNKOW September 5, 2020, at 1:52pm

    Praying all will be surrounded by God's comfort and assurance of his bountiful grace. With love and sympathy, Kim and Bob Brunkow

11. Wanda Traynor September 5, 2020, at 10:52am

    So sorry to hear of Dorothys passing. She was a sweet lady and always wanted to visit when you saw her. She will be missed by so many but the memories will be precious

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