OBITUARY

Jilletta Mae LeClaire of St. Clair, MO departed this life at her home on Monday, March 9, 2026, having reached the age of ninety-four years, six months and five days. Jilletta was born in Washington, MO on September 4, 1931, daughter of Warren Bates and Elsie Bates Hansel nee Ensworth. On October 28, 1950 she was united in marriage to Henry Vernon LeClaire and two children came to bless this union.

Jilletta is survived by her children Vickie King and husband, Harry, of St. Clair, MO and Rickie LeClaire and wife, Christine, of St. Clair, MO; by three grandchildren, Eric Short and wife, Jenni, of St. Clair, MO, Ryan LeClaire and wife, Sarah, of Gerald, MO and Courtney LeClaire-Hill and husband, Jason, of Lonedell, MO; by four great-grandchildren, Zoe, Ryder, Maely and Rowan; by her step-siblings, Stanley Hansel and Norma Jean Gratzer; by one brothers-in-law, Wayne LeClaire and wife, Linda, of Pacific, MO; and by other relatives and many friends.

Jilletta was preceded in death by her parents, Warren Bates and Elsie Bates Hansel; by her step-father, Charles “Alva” Hansel; and by her husband, Henry LeClaire.

Jilletta was a Christian and had previously attended St. Clare Catholic Church with her husband, Henry. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabell Circle #1082, a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Red Hat Society. During her working career she was employed by the International Shoe Company in St. Clair, MO and Debbs Shoe Company in Union, MO. Jilletta enjoyed sewing in her younger years, as well as going out dancing with Henry. She would always look forward to her trips to Branson and going out to play bingo. As she got older, she developed a passion for coloring. But what meant most to her was being able to take care of her family and home.

A kind and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, step-sister, sister-in-law and treasured friend, she will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in Midlawn Memorial Gardens in Union, MO. Memorials may be made to the St. Clair American Legion Auxiliary or St. Clair Daughters of Isabella Circle #1082.