Mary Kraeszig Clement

MARY KRAESZIG CLEMENT, 91, of Little Rock, died peacefully in her sleep on March 21, 2017 of kidney failure. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who spent a lifetime placing her family first. She had a passion for sewing, scratch cooking, and being a room-mother. Both of her children agree that she was just about perfect. Born in Pine Bluff, Ark., to Fred Henry and Cecelia Catherine Schweri Kraeszig, Mary was second-youngest of eleven children. She graduated valedictorian of Pine Bluff High in 1944, and began her bookkeeping career at Welch Motor Company. Mary married Ralph Henry Clement in 1951; after Ralph's 18-month tour of military duty in Germany, the couple settled in Little Rock. While her children were growing up, Mary worked 15 years part-time at Sullinger Distributing Company and later retired in 1987 from the Arkansas Employment Security Division, Payroll Department. A life-long, faithful Catholic, Mary was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church for more than 60 years. Mary is survived by her son, Thomas Ray Clement (Tanya); daughter, Rebecca Clement Sullivan (Charley); sister, Theresa Kraeszig of Pine Bluff; grandchildren: Shannon Erlewine (Shawn) of Flower Mound, Texas, Sara Sullivan, David Clement, and Stephen Clement of Cave Springs; great-grandsons, Ethan and Elliot Erlewine; sister-in-law Betty Hartwick; and numerous nieces and nephews including Sue Pyland and Brenda Riley. The family wishes to thank the Briarwood staff for doing a wonderful job caring for Mary these past 2-3/4 years. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph (married 62 years); and nine siblings: Clarence, Albert, Catherine (Ham), Marie (Cox), Aline Sr. Leona SCN, John, and infants, Helen and Charles. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 1321 S. Van Buren St., Little Rock, Ark. The Rosary Service will follow at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2017. Private interment will follow at Clement Cemetery (Grant County) near Grapevine. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. Arrangements are being handled by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.