Clela Ruth Pausewang

Clela Ruth Clements Pausewang was born on July 25, 1953, in Bay City, Texas. She passed away at her home in Henderson, Texas, on November 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Clela was the third child born to Ira and Helen Clements. She grew up in Cedar Lane, Texas, and worshiped at Cedar Lane Baptist Church, where she came to know Jesus Christ as her Savior. She attended Van Vleck High School with the Class Of 1972.

Clela spent most of her career in the food service industry. She took great pride in her yard and devoted many hours to decorating it for the holidays, creating memories her grandchildren still cherish. She loved the outdoors, especially fishing and gardening, and was also talented with a sewing machine. Above all, she treasured time spent with family and friends. During the last few years of her life, Clela courageously battled cancer. Although the fight took a toll on her body, it never took away her sense of humor or her touch of sarcasm, which remained with her until the very end.

Clela married Joseph Leo Pausewang, and they celebrated 32 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 14, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Pearl Clements; her father, Ira Russell Clements Jr.; and her oldest brother, Ira Russell Clements Ill.

She is survived by her brother, Roger Clements and his wife, Cheryl, of Sargent, Texas; her sister, Linda Haskovec and her husband, Mike, of West Columbia, Texas; her sisters-in-law, Helen and Louise Pausewang; and her brother-in-law, John Paul Pausewang. She is also survived by her three children: Jerry Beck and his spouse, Amber; Denise Wilks; and Jennifer Craig and her spouse, Todd. Her grandchildren are Eric Ramsey; Jamie Moore and her spouse, Josh; Ethan Craig and his spouse, Hannah; Mattie Craig; Jolene Bennett and her spouse, Gage; and Jaylynn Beck. Her four great-grandchildren are Levi and Luke Moore and Swayze and Stormie Craig. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A celebration Of Clela’s life will be held on Saturday, November 7, in Henderson, Texas, at a special little fishing hole that held many fond memories for her.