Ravenna Clair

Ravenna Jewell "Vena" Clair was an honest and straightforward person, whose years of dedicated work afforded her both a happy place in life, and a family that loved her dearly. Vena was always thinking: about the future, collectibles, god, and most importantly – her family.

Vena was born on August 7th, 1935 to Ivan and Lola (Satterlee) Fitzpatrick. The world she entered saw some of the toughest times recorded in recent history. America was in the full swing of the great depression, and the rest of the world teetered on the brink of global war. Vena was born in Iowa, and moved while she was very young to Paw Paw where her father could find work as a farmer. Vena’s parents had tried to have children numerous times, but most had serious health problems and died. Vena was the only child to survive, and because of this, developed a very strong bond with her father. Her father spoiled Vena as best he could, but since this was the depression, "spoiling" took a very different meaning. Vena’s parents would do anything for their child, often it meant giving the little food that they had to Vena so she could eat. Vena and many others of her generation learned from this decade of self-preservation the value of hard work, and the necessity of family togetherness.

Her parents eventually were able to purchase a small restaurant with a gas station out front, called the Tea Pot Dome Restaurant. Vena began working there at an early age waiting tables and pumping gas for the patrons. She didn’t finish schooling as a teen due to the need to work and raise her children Dan and Mary from her first marriage. Dan was born in 1954 and Mary in 1957. However, because she was so close to graduation, she is warmly regarded as a member of the Paw Paw graduation class of 1953.

Eventually she ended up working in Leo’s Restaurant in Paw Paw. While working there, she met eyes with Paul Clair, an older man whom she had met earlier in childhood. She was instantly smitten with his good looks and personality – she never got any work done when he was in the restaurant! They dated for about a year before deciding to get married. They wed on September 24th, 1958 by a justice of the peace in Lawrence, Michigan. The newlyweds began to build a life for themselves, and Vena spent the next few years cooking and waitressing in many different restaurants. Carol was born to Vena and Paul in 1959.

With Paul, they raised, Dan, Mary and Carol. Vena taught her children very well, and instilled in them the values that she had learned while growing up. She was always the disciplinarian, but was equally willing to dish out some good motherly advice. Vena finished High School and received her diploma in 1973; proof that once she set her mind on something it was destined to be achieved. Later, Vena was able to combine two skills that she already possessed: good financial sense and the love of collecting, to open her own collectible store. The store, called Clair’s Collections, dealt with collectible dolls and antique jewelry – and even had a "doll hospital." Vena was very successful at running this business and was able to afford a good life for her husband and children through these skills.

In her spare time she liked to read, especially books on collecting. She was a huge music fan, a real hippie. She really enjoyed Rock and Roll and other pop music. She loved watching Billy Graham and soap operas on television and often was found sleeping in front of the tube. She was a member of the Lawton Baptist Church for many years. Vena was a natural bargain hunter, and would scour the garage sales to score some new collectibles. Flea markets were her specialty. She also had a soft spot for animals, and never ignored a stray cat. She was always ready to share her opinion whether it was on family matters or politics. Vena was a determined and successful person, who would move heaven and earth for her family.

Vena died Friday, May 23, 2003 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Vena was preceeded in death by her parents and a grandson, Daniel Harrison. She is survived by her husband Paul; Children Dan (Rose) Harrison of Kalamazoo, Colonel Carol Clair (1st Sergeant Ret. Joe Pilon) of Carlisle, PA, and Mary (Wendell) Wheaton of San Angelo TX; a step-daughter Gloria (David) Handley of Paw Paw; 8 grandchildren, Ivan Harrison of Kalamazoo, Paul, Nicholas & James Harrison all of Crawfordsville, FL, Wendy and Erica Wheaton of San Angelo, TX, Scott Handley of Grand Rapids and Jessica Handley of Kalamazoo; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Tuesday fro 9:00-11:00 AM at the Betzler & Thompson Funeral Home, Paw Paw. A Celebration Of Life Service will be held that morning at 11:00 AM at the funeral home with Pastor Jim Dyke officiating. Food and fellowship will follow the service at Gloria Handley’s home. Burial will take place on Wednesday at 12:00 noon at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, Michigan. To read Vena’s complete life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the charity of your choice, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Vena loved to be the boss, but behind that determination was a benevolent dedication to giving her family the best in life. She will be missed dearly by all that knew her.