Claire Zanders

Marjorie Claire Zanders, the third of five children of James Miller "Jack" and Gladys Julia (Robbins) Steele, was born at Malvern, IA on June 30, 1926. Claire graduated from Malvern High School in 1944 and attended Lindenwood College in St. Charles, MO. She later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she was active in the Chi Omega Sorority. Following college, Claire returned to Malvern where she began a business career working for the Beckwith Insurance Agency and later at the A.S.C.S. Office.
Claire and William Carleton Zanders were married at the farm home of her parents at Malvern on September 21, 1947. Claire and Bill began their married life on the Ralph Zander's farm near Emerson and later built a home at 1310 Marion Avenue in Malvern. They were life-long farmers who developed an extensive agricultural business. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Larry and Jeff, who later joined them in the farming operation. In 1979, Claire and Bill moved to their new home at 1308 Marion Ave and finished the entire interior work themselves. Claire was a member of the Malvern United Methodist Church, the Methodist Circle, and the Order of Eastern Star. She served as a Cub Scout Leader and was a member of the LTN Club. Claire enthusiastically supported the Malvern community celebrations and enjoyed dressing in period clothing for various fundraising events. She and Bill loved to dance to Big Band music and were known for their elaborate costumes at the annual Goy Halloween Dance. They enjoyed traveling to all fifty States, Europe, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Claire and Bill were avid golfers and devoted many hours to finish the interior of the new clubhouse for the Fairview Country Club. Claire also enjoyed playing cards and belonged to several bridge clubs.
Claire and Bill had been married for 52 years when Bill died on Nov. 24, 1999. Claire continued to be active and live at home. She died at the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, IA on October 14, 2002, having attained the age of 76 years, 3 months, and 14 days. In addition to her husband and parents, Claire was preceded in death by her two infant brothers, sister Julia Jean McCausland, and brother-in-law Walter "Mac" McCausland. Claire is survived by her sons Larry Zanders and his wife Janet and Jeff Zanders and his wife Lorraine all of Malvern; grandsons Jody Zanders of Lincoln, NE and Dillon Zanders of Malvern; granddaughters Lisa Williams and her husband Michael and their daughter Madison of Malvern, Terra Zanders and Jamie Zanders both of Council Bluffs, IA; brother James Steele of Dubuque, IA; niece Susan McCausland of Rockford, IL; nephew W.D. McCausland, III of Cedar Rapids, IA; other relatives and friends.