Clara Thompson Traxler

Clara Thompson Traxler, 81 of Jackson, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She was born April 23rd, 1944, in El Centro, California, to Richard M. Smith and Kate Smith.

Clara graduated from Sikeston Senior High in 1962 and then furthered her education at Missouri Valley College where she majored in Elementary Education, graduating in 1965.

She married Art Hobbs on August 7th, 1965. He preceded her in death.

She taught third grade at Lee Hunter Elementary in Sikeston, MO. She then went on to teach Adult Basic Education for 20 years where her influence extended beyond the traditional classroom setting. She touched the lives of many adults seeking to further their education.

Clara was known for her gregarious personality, her generosity, her relationship with the Lord and her compassion for others. She gave her life to Christ on August 16th, 1974, and spent the rest of her life sharing the Gospel and reading His word. Clara never met a stranger. She was famous for hosting neighborhood parties, her terrible cooking skills and not following any rules. She marched to the beat of her own drum. She was affectionately known as GG by her grandchildren.

She married William Thomas Traxler on August 11th, 2001.

She is survived by her two daughters, Katie Weems of Sikeston, MO, and her daughter Madalyn (Joseph) Loven of Osceola, AR and Ashley (Scott) Lipke of Jackson, MO, along with their children Parker, Layton, and Kate. Clara is also survived by her two brothers, Richard (Donna) Smith of Charlotte, NC, and Frank Smith of Sikeston, MO. She is also survived by 4 nephews- Matt Smith, Christian Smith, Richard Smith and Seth Smith.

Clara chose to donate her body to the Washington University School of Medicine’s Body Donor Program. Her family is honoring her request for no funeral or visitation services.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Clara's family requests that any memorials be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Clara spent her final years at the Villas of Jackson Memory Care. The family would like to thank the staff for their compassionate care, and for providing activities and fun outings. They are thankful for the care she received and for treating her with dignity and respect. They would also like to extend their gratitude to Crown Hospice.

Clara Traxler's legacy will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all that she inspired throughout her life.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by scrolling to the guestbook beneath Clara’s obituary article at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.