Nora Irene Clay

Nora Irene Clay

November 26, 1933 – July 24, 2023

WARSAW- Nora Irene Walls Clay, born November 26, 1933 in Monticello, Kentucky, passed away at home on July 24th, 2023.

She married Norman Duane Clay on December 12, 1949 in Valparaiso, Indiana, who preceded her in death (2013). She was also preceded in death by both her parents, and 4 brothers; Lawrence, Lee, Doug, and infant John Walls. She is survived by sister, Alice Locke, North Webster, IN, 2 daughters; Lin Jones of Warsaw and Beth Collins of Fort Wayne, and a son, Tony Clay (Amy) of Warsaw. Surviving as well are 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Irene, as she was known to her friends, was a hard-working, charitable, giving member of her generation. She gave countless hours to the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, different Home Ec clubs, and served on local election boards for many years.

Irene’s primary claim to fame was her love of cooking and the culinary excellence which that love produced. Whether her children’s friends stopping for an unexpected visit, men coming in from hunting, an impromptu 3 table bridge game, or a mass of snowmobilers stopping for a break, Irene would quickly wow the group with a fantastic meal, seemingly faster than humanly possible. Her cooking and baking prowess was a perfect fit for the Salvation Army’s women’s auxiliary pie and soup fundraisers for many years, where she provided both food and leadership.

Irene and Norman owned and operated Clay’s Mobile Home Service for 30+ years and eventually owned and operated Gambie’s Pizza for about a decade.

Per Irene’s wishes, her viewing at McHatton Sadler Funeral Home will be private.

Memorial contributions in Irene’s name can be made to Salvation Army at: 501 E Arthur St, Warsaw, IN 46580.