Clara Sturm DeReese of Bay City passed away Sunday, August 6, 2006 at the age of 87 at Bay Villa Nursing Home. She was born March 20, 1919 to John and Elizabeth Sturm in Yorktown, TX and married her war time sweetheart, George DeReese, November 16, 1942.

Clara was a member of Catholic Daughters and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bay City. She worked side by side with her husband on several business ventures including many years at DeReese's Grocery on Ave. F. Clara, an excellent seamstress and wonderful cook, will lovingly be remembered for her homemade kolaches, beautiful quilts, and devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Hedwig Sturm, Philomena Sturm and Mary Moy; and five brothers: Arnold, Herman, Joseph, Ernest, and Johnny Sturm and her loving husband of 59 years, George DeReese.

Survivors include two sons: Tim DeReese and wife Jeana Ann of Tomball, George DeReese and wife Annie of Richmond; two daughters: Donna Manthei and husband Teddy of Bremond, Kathy Schneider and husband Dennis of Bay City; and one brother, Leo Sturm and wife Lena of Crystal City. Clara is also survived by ten grandchildren: Jeremy DeReese, Theresa DeReese, Danny Manthei, Darren Manthei and wife Melinda, David Manthei and wife Briana, Dustin Manthei and wife Robin, Brian Schneider, Aaron Schneider, Lauren DeReese, and Heather DeRamus.

She was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Zane DeReese, Ryan and Abby Manthei, Rita Manthei, Hayden Manthei and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday, August 9, 2006 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 10, 2006 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Casey Jarzombek officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net.

Arrangements with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.