07/18/2026
Clarence Care Center going 50 years Strong.
In July of 1975, a special bond election passed and the nursing home board of directors, Victor Hodgin, President, John Larrick, Vice-President, Floyd Schoonover- Treasure, Archie Carroll, Dr. Dean Hull and Joseph Early; negotiated with Medic lodges Inc, from Coffeyville, Kansas. The plan to build the 60 bed non-profit home. Jack Simpson concrete & equipment Co, in Paris, Missouri. On April 8,1976, ground was broken. The cost of the project was to be $515,000.00. The district had $115,000.00 to begin the project. $385,000.00 was voted and contributions amounted to $25,000.00.
James VanHouten and Larry Hartgrove of VanHouten Soil and Water Conservation contractors moved the ground in preparation for the floor and foundations of the new home. The paved drive and parking was by Bentley Asphalt of Clarence.
On July 18, 1976, a Masonic ceremony laying the cornerstone of the home was held by Masonic Lodge #662.
The home employed approximately 25-30 full and part time employees. The home opened its doors to the first resident on November 15,1976. An open house was held on December 5, 1976, with over 300 people attending at the time the home had seventeen residents. Nursing Home board Victor Hodgin, President, John Larrick, Vice -President, Floyd Schoonover, Sectary-Treasure, Archie Carroll, Joseph Early, and Dr. D.R. Hull. Nursing home Ray Shepard Administrator, Barbara Primm Nursing Consultant, Barbara Thompson LPN, Donna Melson LPN, Director Nursing, Irma Stifle Bookkeeper, Arlene Powell Food Supervisor, Ladrue Saunders, and Dr. D.R. Hull Medical Director.
“In Memory Of” name plates were placed on the doors of each room. These name plates represented a $1,000.00 donation to furnish the room.
There was a first meeting of the Clarence Nursing Home Auxiliary on November 29,1976, and there were eight members. Their Moto was “Come now, help another.” This was used as the initials of the Clarence Nursing Home Auxiliary. The bird is was the Cardinal, and the Flower was the Red Rose. The colors were red and white. The Auxiliary members were very active in the first years of the home, members came out to do activity programs for the residents. The monthly birthday parties, the craft classes, and other programs in the home were done on regular basis.
On November 9, 1986, the Nursing Home Auxiliary held it ten year open house. The Board members at the time were LaRue Baker, Tony Killen, Bob Kemp, Anderson Meadows, Weldon White, and Dr. D.R. Hull. There were about 100 people in attendance and refreshments was served.
In 1992 the Nursing Home had employed 70 people. Mary Beldon, RN, Director of Nursing, and previous Nursing Consultant for the home Marilyn Kriner, Resident Service Director, Mary Lou Peeper, Food Services Supervisor, Donna Barton Activity Director, Lois Yost Housekeeping Supervisor, Bill Barton, Maintenance, and Irma Stiefel, Secretary-bookkeeper. Board Members were: Weldon White, President, Anderson Meadows Vice-President, LaRue Baker Secretary-Treasure Tony Killen, Dr. D.R. Hull, and newly elected this year Donald Fuller.
In 1992 Donna Barton Activities Director, assisted by Gayle Barton, secretary to D.O.N. Put together recipes from residents and families and ads for the local businesses and made the Clarence Nursing Home Cookbook...titled “Giving Thanks” it was published by Dennis Williams. (Clarence Courier)
In 1994 the home was Medicare approved and developed a new computer system for booking and billing.
In January 1996, The Clarence Nursing Home changed to Clarence Care Center. There were several reasons in to making the change. One of the primary reasons was the negative connotation of “nursing home” while care center did not carry a negative impression. Also, this year a 16ft addition was added to the dining room.
In August 1997 the Clarence Care Center had added a picnic shelter house, added to south part of the front parking lot.
March 3, 2002, a new addition was added to the home, a Community Room and Chapel. Schwada Builders Inc. were the contractors and Rob Rollings Architect LLC. Members on the board were Tony Killen, President, Mary Lee Gingrich Vice President, Mike Collins Secretary, Lyle Tacy, Lewis Thompson, and Joim Hoffman, Jim Barry, Ed Clem, and Terry Mefford.
On April 13, 2026, the reconstruction started for a new sewer system, remodel of bathrooms, and flooring.
List of Administrators: First Administrator: Ray Shepard 1yr; Betty Barratt 9yrs; Roy Barrat interim; Mike O’Neal 8 yrs; Loretta Johnston 2 years, John Dalton 2 yrs, Jim Richardson 8 yrs, Tony Killen intermin, and Mark Walker currently since 2008.
List of Medical Directors: Dr. D.R. Hull; Dr. Wayne Hawkins; Dr. Phillip Stitzer, and currently Dr. James McDowell
List of Directors of Nursing: First DON was Donna Melson LPN; Ann Kunce LPN; and Carolyn Garnett LPN; Barabra Thompson LPN. In 1987 due to reform in the changes in nursing had changed to requiring a Register Nurse. Mary Beldon became the Director of Nursing that year. Mary was one of the R.N. consultant in 1986.
After Mary Beldon, Heather Ballance, Carrie Elsen, Lynn Reid, Susan Newlon, Jolyn Maupin, Jenn Schiweter, and currently Maggie Schmidt since 2023.
List of Nursing Consultants: Wyleta RN, Mona Williams RN, Rhonda Smith RN, Brenda Buzzard RN, and Calara Jackson RN, Ann Kunce LPN, and Carolyn Garnett LPN
Currently on the Board of Directors: Rick Maupin President, Carl Langhammer Vice President, Tim Chinn, Donnie Maddex, Angie Mefford Secretary, Mike McKenzie.
Many others who have been an important part of the Clarence Care Center history too, however there are way to many numerous to name them all.
Through the years many Volunteers, Individuals, Clubs, and other Organizations have donated time and money and items to the benefit of our residents.
There will be a celebration for our 50th on September 10th at our annual Care Center picnic. We hope to see you there.
This was researched and written by Holly Beall
Clarence Care Center Activity Director/Social Services
