Clara J. Olmes

Clara Jo Evans was born in San Antonio Texas on October 12, 1943, to Mary Hazel Bell. She was adopted at birth to Floyd Albert Evans and Mary Erna McMains. Clara Jo Olmes (Jerry Philip Olmes) lived in Elk River MN, and she passed away peacefully April 15, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids MN.

Jo was mother to Janet, born May 29, 1963, and Karla, born June 11, 1965, during her marriage to Warren Le Roy Scott. She was also mother to Alia, born April 26, 1977, during her marriage to Thomas Ladion Siangco. She married Jerry Philip Olmes in Juneau, Alaska on May 16, 1987.

Jo’s amazing life inspired her to become sought after in many capacities of student, mother, and as a career professional in personnel administration. Legally blind from birth from an undeveloped optic nerve, Jo was blessed with the capacity to remember whatever she read. This unique skill followed her throughout her life.

Jo received straight A’s in many of her studies as a student in Charlotte, Texas. She became sought out for her advice and guidance from her classmates. As a mother, Jo refined her advice and guidance to include practical day-to-day matters needed to excel in college studies, keen on her career as classification specialist, and raise her three daughters. Despite demands of a college education and full-time career, Jo was never too busy to spend quality time with the girls, unfailingly making time to listen to them recount the ventures of their days.

Jo received a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Holy Names University in Oakland California in 1998. During 28 years in personnel administration her guiding skills helped her earn a plethora of commendations.

Jo was a compassionate and caring woman, contributing to Children’s International, St. Joseph, St. Labre Indian School, Running Strong for American Youth and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Jo leaves her husband Jerry, daughters Janet, Karla and Alia, seven grand- children and 10 great-grandchildren, adoptive family members, and many friends from Alaska, California, Texas and Oklahoma to Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

A memorial service will be conducted at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 1326 4th Street NW Elk River at 11 a.m. Saturday June 14th, 2025, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests any who wish to contribute do so to a charity of their choice.

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