Submitted by: Dan Rich

Clarice W. Blue

Dec. 10, 1909 - May 5, 2001

South Bend Tribune 5/8/2001

Clarice W. Blue, 91, a resident of St. Paul's Retirement Community, South Bend, Ind., passed away at 5:50 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in St. Paul's. Clarice was born in Noble Township, Shelby County, Ind., Dec. 10, 1909, to Ora W. and Dora (Roberts) Cuskaden, who preceded her in death along with a sister, Virginia.

On July 1, 1967, she married Merle D. Blue, who survives. She is also survived by a stepdaughter, Beth Blue (Daniel) Swadener of Akron, Ohio; a granddaughter, Rachel Blue Swadener of Kent, Ohio; and by two nephews, Gregg M. Lemasters of Shelbyville, Ind., and Glenn E. Lemasters of Bargersville, Ind.

After graduating from high school in Waldron, Ind., she earned two degrees from Indiana University in 1936 and 1950. Clarice taught in the schools of Noble Township, Shelby County from 1928-1935, including one year in a one-room school where her grandfather had once taught. In 1936 she came to Mishawaka, Ind., to teach at Battell School. Clarice later taught at Southside and Beiger schools before she became principal of the Northside School in 1961. She concluded her career at the Mishawaka LaSalle School, retiring in 1971 after 35 years of service in the Mishawaka Public Schools. Clarice was an active member of the First Methodist Church of Mishawaka, particularly in the women's organizations. She was also active in educational and service groups to which she belonged. Clarice was a life member of the National Education Association, local, state and national organizations of retired educators, Nu Chapter of the Delta Gamma Society and Pi Lamda Theta, Educational organization, Chapter N, Peo Sisterhood, Mishawaka Women's Club, St. Joseph Community Hospital Auxiliary. She served as a volunteer at the hospital during her retirement. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star.

A memorial service followed by an informal period of fellowship has been scheduled to celebrate Clarice's life of service at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka. Pastors Lorin Clemenz and Ron Bowman will officiate. Interment will be at the Van Pelt Cemetery, Shelby County, Ind. In memory of Clarice Blue, contributions may be made to the First Methodist Church, 201 East Third Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544; or to a charity of the donor's choice.