M. ValJean Claypool, 80, of Plumcreek Township died on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at ACMH Hospital.
She was born August 9, 1930 in Burrell Township, Armstrong County, the daughter of Arthur Dean and Nellie M. (Riggle) Lookabaugh.
Mrs. Claypool was a 1948 graduate of Vandergrift High School. Faith, family and friends were a large part of ValJean’s life; she was a member of St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, crafts, and working with her husband on the family livestock farm. ValJean also took pleasure in bird watching and frequently chased squirrels and bears away from her bird feeders.
She will best be remembered for the amusing things she would say and do, and for teaching life lessons in her own special, quirky way.
She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Larry O. Claypool and wife Melissa of Pennsylvania Furnace, PA and Allen R. Claypool and wife Teresa of Indiana, PA; one daughter, Amy S. DeSantis and husband Francis, of Spring Mills, PA; three grandchildren, Evan, Lucas and Kendra Claypool; two brothers, Donald D. Lookabaugh of Plumcreek Twp and Vearl M. “Pete” Lookabaugh and wife Dorothy of Burrell Twp; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband LaVerne O. Claypool with whom ValJean shared 48 years of marriage and who died August 1, 2003; her sister, Ada Lookabaugh; her grandson, Owen Patrick Claypool; an infant sister; one brother, William D. Lookabaugh; and two sisters-in-law, Helen and Leila Lookabaugh.
Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 PM on Monday, November 1, 2010 at the Clark Chapel of the Bauer Funeral Home in Elderton.
Additional visitation will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Ford City, until the time of funeral service at 11 AM with the Rev. April Dailey officiating.
Burial will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery in Burrell Township.
Memorial Contributions may be made in honor of ValJean to the St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, 2264 Garretts Run Road, Ford City, PA 16226.
To leave an online condolence and view a video tribute honoring ValJean’s life, visit www.clarkchapel.com