of Marvell, AR
October 5, 1923 - November 15, 2020
Mildred Neujita (Boby) Bradshaw Clariana was born in Hickory Ridge, Arkansas on October 5, 1923. When she was 6, her father's job relocated the family to Buenos Aires, Argentina where she lived for the next 16 years. She attended a Catholic girl's school, became fluent in Spanish, and received her teaching degree while she lived there. She married Boris Clariana, a native of Buenos Aires, when she was 20. In 1944 they returned to the United States to live on her parents' farm in Hicks, surrounded by her Gschwend uncles, aunts and cousins.
For the next 18 years, Boby's life was filled with taking care of her growing family, using her Spanish as a substitute teacher at Marvell High School, and playing the piano and teaching adult Sunday School at Hicks United Church of Christ, where she belonged to the ladies auxiliary, and later at the Marvell United Methodist Church where she took part in the UMW. She was active in Eastern Star where she served in many leadership positions, and she volunteered at the Marvell Food Bank, a charity she supported all her life.
When her children were grown, Boby started working at Oklahoma Tire and Supply in Marvell, Marianna, and West Helena where she worked for many years and was known as Mrs. OTASCO.
After her retirement, Boby continued her work in the community and the church and loved quilting, embroidery, making hand-crafted Christmas presents, and corresponding in Spanish with her Argentinian relatives and friends. Until her death, she could switch from English to Spanish and back again seamlessly.
On Sunday, November 15, 2020 Boby died as she wished on her beloved farm at age 97, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Elisabeth Bradshaw; her husband of 28 years, Boris Clariana; and her husband of four years, Max VonKanel.
She is survived by her daughter Frances Lawson, her son Bill (Patricia) Clariana, and her son Roy (Sarah) Clariana as well as 7 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and her loving care giver Jerlester Freeman.
Visitation is scheduled at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 followed by a memorial service in her front yard at 3133 Phillips 600 rd in Marvell, Arkansas. Internment is at Schaffhauser Cemetery in Phillips County.
Memorials may be made to Schaffhauser Cemetery, Marvell Food Bank or a charity of your choice.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home is observing guidelines regarding COVID-19. We ask that all attendees please observe social distancing. When indoors or when social distancing cannot be observed, please wear a mask.
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11 Condolence(s)
Wilma Frazier
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
The Frazier family gives our sympathy to your family. We grew up in hicks and she was family to us, I don’t think she every met a stranger and would speak her mind to whoever!! She was a role model to me I also joined the eastern star and told her the inspiration she had on my life. That our cemetery not to far down the road and if something was right she let us no about it! My family love her and so did I gonna miss her
Betty Inebnit
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Prayers for Family and friends
Joshua Kirby
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
Please allow me to compliment the family for writing an absolutely fantastic obituary for Boby. This was an excellent written work, and a loving memorial for an accomplished woman.
My condolences are extended from Penn State University to my colleague Roy, his spouse Sarah, and the family, as well as the many relatives and friends of Boby spanning two continents.
Alex Wasserzug
Wednesday, November 18, 2020
A great person who touched many people's lives.
Willie Bob Gschwend Jr.
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
I extend my Sympathy to Frances, Bill and Roy. What a marvelous lady. Sadness weighs on our hearts, but we know without a doubt that Boby is Rejoicing with all our many loved ones. May the Lord COMFORT you with his love in the days ahead. May God continue to bless until he calls us to be with him and family.
Willie Bob Gschwend Jr
PeeWee
randy fitts
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Sorry to hear about MS. Bobby. I just talked to her a few weeks ago in walmart. I have known her all my life.
Ann Palmer
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
My love to all. Loved your Mom and Dad and spent many happy times with the family. Knowing she is with the Lord and in her heavenly home brings peace. A life well lived💖. Love. Ann
Tommy watkins
Monday, November 16, 2020
This beautiful lady in so many ways help me to grow and learn as a teacher and neighbor and friend. Was so great to my mom thru the years and I know they are rejoicing now in heaven.
Francis Bill and Roy my childhood friends I grieve with u in your loss and my prayers are with you.
Don Kemmer
Monday, November 16, 2020
I always enjoyed the stories she told about growing up in south america
Sue Russell
Monday, November 16, 2020
I am so sorry. Mrs. Boby was always full of life; a true inspiration. She will be missed by so many. Please know that your family is in my thought and prayers during this time.
Robert Steiner & Traugott Humphreys
Monday, November 16, 2020
Another Angel has gained her wings. We loved Mrs. Boby and enjoyed times as neighbors, and many events at Hicks Church. We know she is with others and rejoicing .. we will see her again one day...