of Greenbrier, AR
June 30, 1946 - November 23, 2025
Mary Claire Spencer Duderstadt was born in Ancon Canal Zone (Panama) June 30, 1946. She went to Heaven on November 23, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Katherine Spencer and her brother, Bill Spencer.
She is survived by her husband, Eugene Duderstadt of Wooster, Arkansas; her daughter, Debra Young (Mike) of Rogers, Arkansas; her son, David Duderstadt (Robin) of Eustace, Texas; five grandsons, Michael Young, Bryan Duderstadt, Jordan Duderstadt, Koby Duderstadt, Skyler Duderstadt; sisters in law, Lorna Duderstadt and Lynne Poe; brother in law, Bruce Duderstadt (Kim); nieces, Amy Roys (Chris), Breanna Williams, Sarah Lahren (Hayden); great nieces, Gaby and Emily Roys, Joan Lahren; nephews, Cameron Sager (Jessica), Michael Duderstadt (Breland); great nephews, Isaac Williams, Blake and Ryan Sager, Hugh Lahren; as well as many cousins that live in the Pontotoc, Mississippi area.
Claire was baptized into the Christian faith on March 28, 1948 at Gamboa Union Church. Growing up, she lived in different cities in Texas, Oklahoma and eventually Arkansas. She graduated from Hall High School in Little Rock, Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Claire married Eugene Duderstadt on December 14, 1968. They honeymooned in Germany and made a life there for many years. She worked for 24 years as a management analyst for the Federal Government in Fort Polk, Louisiana. She loved all things related to sewing: counted cross-stitch, clothing, blankets and quilts. She was known for her chocolate chip cookies and her cherry pies. Claire would bake and decorate birthday cakes for her children and their friends. She was so creative that she would free-hand pictures of David's Transformers with a toothpick onto the cake.
Claire never missed any of Debra's dance recitals and cheerleading events. One summer, she rented a van and drove Debra and her friends to see a concert in Jackson, Mississippi. She would do anything for her children.
After retirement in 2003, Claire became an avid quilter. She was a member of QUEST Quilters where many of the ladies taught her a lot about quilting. Each year, she and her best friend, Barbra Murray, would attend the NWA Spring Fling Shop Hop. They would visit different quilt and fabric shops. The quilts she made were always for others; she made quilts for every grandchild, niece, and nephew. She also sewed masks for nurses during Covid and knitted prayer shawls for those in need.
Claire was also a part-time weather woman and personal GPS mapper (prior to smart phones). When our families traveled, she would always alert us to changing weather conditions and help us navigate the route to our destination.
She was a generous, thoughtful, loving soul and a brave fighter until her last breath. She will be tremendously missed.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 5 at 10:00am at Peace Lutheran Church in Conway, AR. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am. Graveside services will be at 11:00am on Saturday, December 6 at St Paul Lutheran Cemetery in Gillett, Arkansas.
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18 Condolence(s)
Shirley Blythe
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Everyone will miss Claire’s beautiful smile & personality.
Julie K Scott
Monday, December 1, 2025
I'm sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful and caring lady.
Sharon Bailey
Monday, December 1, 2025
My condolences to Claire’s family. Claire was in the Quest guild with me and in the Cabot guild with me. She was a sister in Christ as well. I can only imagine the place God has prepared for His sweet daughter. The world mourns too.
Sharon Bailey
Dorothy & Johnny
Monday, December 1, 2025
With prayers and stmpathy to the family.
Mary degroot
Monday, December 1, 2025
Sorry for your loss. She will be missed.
Robin and Billy Arnett and Alice Hensiek
Monday, December 1, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Tom and Martha Cameron
Monday, December 1, 2025
We are saddened for the whole Duderstadt family to hear this of this loss. Duder you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bob and Carol Hahn
Monday, December 1, 2025
Bob and I have had you and Claire in our prayers for a long time. We will miss Claire. We are sending you many prayers, hugs, and love.
Judy and Ron Klingbeil
Monday, December 1, 2025
Eugene and all of your family: I am so sorry to hear the news of Claire’s passing. My sincere condolences and prayers for peace and comfort for you.
Lowell and Marsha McClanahan
Monday, December 1, 2025
God Speed!
Brigitte Conkling
Monday, December 1, 2025
Claire was such a gentle soul, I remember her vividly as she said behind us in Redeemer Lutheran Church I. DeRidder, Louisiana with her entire family. She made a beautiful dress for our daughter Stephanie which we still have and will once gifted to a granddaughter should we get one. Gene we are sad with you but know that we all see each other again
Linda Tucker
Monday, December 1, 2025
So sorry to hear this. Claire was a great gal. She was one of the first people to welcome me to the Cabot Quilt Guild. She and Barbara Murray must be having a great reunion. Prayers for all the family.
Sherry Poll Reynolds
Monday, December 1, 2025
So sorry for your loss...May Our Heavenly Father keep you and yours in his care.
Van Vanness
Monday, December 1, 2025
She was a very sweet person - she’ll be missed
Kelly Pruitt Davis
Monday, December 1, 2025
Thoughts and prayers for Mr Duder and all of the family.
Betsy Smith
Friday, November 28, 2025
Claire will be missed greatly Duder. But I feel her and mom can just picked up where they left off before mom past away. I loved Claire very much. And I read that she made the best chocolate chip and I will say she did.
Bradley, Beth Williams ♥️
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Claire was a sweet wonderful neighbor. She will surely be missed.🙏💕
Michael McCright