PAW PAW — Clara Marie DeLong “Krickett”, 69, of Paw Paw, met her Savior on the morning of April 19, 2018, at Heritage Health in Mendota. She was born Sept. 20, 1948 in Mendota to Robert Full and Lucille (Smith)(Full) Nicholson.
She was a 1966 graduate of Amboy High School. After high school, she enlisted in the Army and served in the WAC unit from 1966-1968. While stationed at Fort Dix, N.J., she met Wallace DeLong. They were married on Oct. 1, 1968 in Wrightstown, N.J.
Clare was a Christian and a member of the Rochelle Church of Christ. She was a pro-life supporter and volunteered at the pregnancy center in Mendota. She was a published author, most notably in “Stories for the Family’s Heart.”  She was an avid animal lover/rescuer and volunteered many hours at the local humane society.  She was a member of the American Legion Post #511.
Clare worked various jobs throughout her life, but her greatest devotion and impact was as a wife, mother, and “Grammy.” She made her house a haven for anyone she could help. There are many people who have been influenced by her love and hospitality. She enjoyed attending church services, reading, writing, and spending time with people.  She never met a stranger. She enjoyed a good cup of coffee, which was mostly cream and sugar.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, and her mother, both of Paw Paw; two sons, Brian (Shari) of Mendota, and Jeffrey of Paw Paw; five grandsons, Shay DeLong, Alex Hinrichs, Codee DeLong, Clayton DeLong, and Luciano DeLong; one granddaughter, Selena DeLong; a sister, Linda (Chuck) Sellers of Paw Paw; two step-brothers of Paw Paw, John K. (Susan) Nicholson and Jerry (Dawn) Nicholson; a step-sister, Lisa (Nicholson) Hoebing of Malta; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by seven siblings in infancy, Roberta Ann Full, Robert John Full, Martin Joe Full, David James Full, James Francis Full, Brian Michael Full, and Donna May Full; her father; step-father John A. Nicholson; and step-brother Jeffrey Nicholson.
Funeral arrangements have been provided by Torman Funeral Home of Paw Paw. A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at the Paw Paw Bible Church, 410 7th St., Paw Paw.  A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. prior to a funeral service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 25 at the Paw Paw Bible Church.  Pastor Jedidiah Cary of the Paw Paw Bible Church and David Diestelkamp, long-time friend and preacher of the Church of Christ, will officiate. Full military honors will be provided. There will be no graveside service, as cremation care has been accorded.
Memorials may be directed to the Rochelle Church of Christ or Abigail Women’s Center. 
Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.