Claire Elizabeth Vinyard

Claire Elizabeth Vinyard, was born May 22, 1919 in Wood River, Illinois to Claude and Nina (Skinner) Slaten. Claire grew up in the Wood River area where she attended and graduated high school. After her graduation from high school, she enrolled at Barnes Hospital Nursing School. Claire graduated and accepted employment from Barnes Hospital as a Registered Nurse.

On December 4, 1945, Claire and Daniel Franklin Vinyard were united in marriage at Wood River. They established their initial home in St. Louis, Missouri. Claire and Dan continued to reside in St. Louis until 1957, at that time they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon moving to Tulsa, Claire accepted employment with Hillcrest Hospital. After several years there and the opening of St. Francis Hospital Claire gained employment as a surgical nurse at the new facility. Due to Claireís ability to be ambidextrous, this was an asset to her during the surgical procedures. Due to her diligent work ethic and extreme care giving to the patients, Claire was promoted to Surgery Coordinator. In 1982, Claire retired from St. Francis Hospital after 23 years. In 1973, Claire and Dan moved to the Westport Area on Keystone Lake. They developed what is known as Danielís Point. In March of 2004, Claire moved to Owasso to be closer to her daughter

Claire was a longtime member of the Westport Baptist Church. Claire loved to collect cows. She would collect all kinds and types from plates to figurines. She was also a very devoted and active church member cooking funeral dinners to taking care of the children in the nursery or what ever would be needed. She also enjoyed traveling especially the trip to Florida at Epcot Center and the trips her and Dan would take to New Mexico.

Claire went to be with her Lord and Saviour Saturday, October 14, 2006, in Owasso, Oklahoma at the age of 87 years 4 months and 22 days. She was preceded in death by both parents; her husband, Daniel Franklin Vinyard on February 21, 1999; one son Daniel I. Vinyard in January 21, 2005; and a brother Robert Slaten.

Survived by her daughter, Elizabeth and husband John Hathcoat of Tulsa, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren, Anna, April, Lucy, Danielle, Abby, Jeff, Scott Leann and James, 10 great grandchildren, Mathew, Lucy, Sidney, Logan, Brady, Cherish, Draven, Max, Tyler, Mason as well as numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Sancutary of the Westport Baptist Church with Dr. Gene Perry officiating. Burial will be at Sinnett Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.