Obituary of Clara B. Petruska

Clara B. Petruska (nee Nolen) Passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Inn at Willow Falls, Crest Hill, IL at age of 92. Born in Huntington, IN, she was a long time North Chicago resident before retiring with Walter to Joliet in 1987. Retired from Lake Forest High School after many years of food service. She was an active volunteer at the Rialto Square Theater for 21 enjoyable years. Clara was an avid golfer who also loved gardening, traveling to see family, and playing cards. She had a keen love of music and enjoyed singing with the Holy Family Church Choir of North Chicago. She also had a passion for researching family genealogy. Most of all, she enjoyed time with her family and grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, Walter L. Petruska (1989); her parents, Charles and Hannah (nee Williamson) Nolen; four brothers; three sisters; and two stepsons, William and Terrence Petruska. Survived by three daughters, Margaret "Peggy" (late Gerhart) Rommel of Grayslake, IL, Kathleen (Don) Fisher of Joliet, and Elizabeth Petruska of San Jose, CA; one son, John "Art" (Darlene Smithhart) Jackson of Oklahoma City, OK; a daughter-in-law, Barbara Petruska; one brother, Rudolph (late Jean) Nolen of Sacramento, CA; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. On behalf of our family we would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our mom's caregivers Crystal, Linda and M.J. at Allied Health. Clara B. Petruska lie in state Monday February 6, 2017 from 10 a.m. until the time of her Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 15000 W. Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, IL. Fr. James Merold will officiate. Interment will be at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials to Joliet Area Community Hospice or the Alzheimers Association in her name would be appreciated. Visitation on Saturday will be held from 1 - 5 p.m., with prayers at 2 p.m. by Fr. Jim Lennon at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet. For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com