Mary Agnes "Jody" Claas

Mrs. Mary "Jody" Agnes Claas, 70, beloved wife and mother, passed away on October 30, 2013 after a long illness. She was the daughter of the late Russell Charles Speck and Agnes Marie Speck, born in Indianapolis, IN on September 21, 1943. After receiving her nursing degree, she spent many years giving kind and compassionate care to her patients. She was a wonderful mother, a strong role model and showed remarkable independence and dignity throughout her life.

Living most of her life in Indianapolis and New Palestine, IN, Jody was a resident of Watkinsville, GA for the last 17 years. She loved gardening and cooking.

She is survived by her loving husband Victor John Claas; her sons and daughter-in-laws: Eric (Marcie) Claas of Franklin, TN, Aaron (Kelley) Claas of Watkinsville, GA, Andrew (Jamie) Claas of Marietta, GA; and five grandchildren: McCrae, Ashley, Landon, Nicholas and Oliver Claas; siblings: Russell (Dian) Speck, Carole (Gordon) Grindstaff, Virginia Speck, Larry (Donna) Speck, Rita (Donald) Kluemper, Ruth Speck, Cecilia (David) Wilson and Barbara Hughey as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 2, 2013 at 11:00 at the UGA Catholic Center. Burial will follow at Oconee Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2013 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the UGA Catholic Center or to the Athens Regional Medical Center Palliative Care Program c/o Athens Regional Foundation.