Connie M. Mcclain

Connie Mae McClain, one of two children of Una Mae (Chancellor) and Vernon Randall "Ted" Aukland, was born in Carson, Iowa on February 10, 1936. She grew up on a farm west of Macedonia, Iowa in the Lone Star neighborhood and graduated from the Macedonia High School in 1953.
Connie and James Douglas "Whitey" McClain were married on August 29, 1953 near Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Their marriage was blessed with three children; Terry Douglas, Donna Mae, and Carol Jean. Connie loved to work on the farm with Whitey and care for their children. She also worked at the Council Bluffs Savings Bank and as a bookkeeper for Arctic Transport, and finally at Macedonia Feed and Grain.
Connie's life was music. She served as the Junior Choir Director in the 1960's for the Wheeler Grove Church and later for the Macedonia United Methodist Church. Connie was always playing for weddings, funerals, Grist Mill productions, school events, contests, and church. Connie also loved making dolls and their clothing, and painting their faces free hand. Her hobby turned into a business and a ministry as Connie gave many presentations to various groups.
Connie's faith and her love of music helped her to found the Grove Gospel Singers in November 1996. Connie served as the group's choir director and accompanist. Over time Connie's health forced her to cut back on her playing until 2004, when she stepped down as director. In May of 2005, Whitey and Connie moved from the farm to Carson. They had been married nearly 54 years when Connie died at their home on July 9, 2007 at the age of 71 years, 4 months, and 29 days. She was preceded in death by her father Vernon Aukland and her daughter-in-law Pam McClain.
Connie is survived by her husband Whitey McClain and son Terry McClain and his wife Gladys, all of Carson; daughters Donna McClain of Macedonia, Iowa and Carol "Zip" Byriel and husband Jim of Ames, Iowa; mother Una Mae Snapp and husband Jim of Council Bluffs; brother Gary Aukland and wife Betty of Macedonia; grandchildren Casey McClain of Ames, Ashley Mace and husband Ryan and daughter Lillian of Macedonia, Brett and Kelli Byriel of Ames; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.