Ruby Carmenita (Carmen) McClain died August 28, 2018 at the age of 42 years. She passed from this life while holding her sister's hand and listening to Untitled Hymn/Come to Jesus. When her sister sang the words "…fly to Jesus and live," Carmen took her final breath and did just that.

Our hearts weep and our minds are shattered at the thought of never seeing those incredible blue eyes or hearing her sweet voice again in this life…and yet we rejoice that her suffering is at an end, knowing she now has a body unlike any she could have ever longed for and that she is comforted by her Lord Jesus.

Carmen was born in Wichita, KS, graduated from John Marshall High School in Rochester, MN and lived the past twenty years in Springfield, Missouri. She had an incredible mind and was a lifelong learner, especially in the field of medicine. Before disability "retirement" overtook employment, Carmen worked out of her home with United HealthCare as a claims processor and trainer.

Carmen loved babies and children, listening to music and playing the piano, playing board games of any kind with friends and family, working word puzzles, reading and watching movies. She was an avid collector of make-up, books, CDs, pencils and pens, and any kind of paper.

Carmen is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, R.M. and Lucille McClain, and her maternal grandparents, Jesse Seth and Vivian Smiley, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Carmen is survived by her parents, Clyde and Fran McClain (Her father was her faithful and merciful caregiver during the past ten years. She once told a friend that her father would do/give her anything; all she had to do was ask.); a brother and sister by marriage, R.M. and Florence McClain; and a sister, Rachella McClain, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and nieces and nephews.

A memorial celebration of Carmen's life will be held in the fellowship hall of South Haven Baptist Church at 2353 South Campbell, Springfield, MO on Saturday, September 29, 2018 with the following schedule:

Visitation with family         3:00 pm

Celebration service            4:00 pm

Evening Meal and fellowship will follow the service at a separate location. Please RSVP to Clyde McClain at 417-840-6809 if you plan to attend the meal.

Casual dress is suggested for the entire celebration; jeans are totally appropriate.

Memorial contributions may be made directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or through Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services LLC in Springfield, MO.