Clara Viator Dobay was born in Sulphur, Louisiana on February 1, 1937. She left this world on June 19, 2020. In between, she lived a rich life as a teacher, mother, wife, and contributor to society. Clara graduated from Sulphur High School as Valedictorian. She was active in many sports. Clara started her college years at Grand Coteau, LA then went to a school in St. Louis, MO. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas in 1959, and met her soul mate, Joseph Dobay, there. She completed her master’s degree in history from the University of Houston in 1970, and Clara earned a Ph.D. in American History in 1980. She taught history at Worthing High School, then Milby High School. Among her students was TX State Senator Carol Alvarado. In April, 1988, Clara’s book called Seeds of Mediocrity was published. This work describes the precipitous decline in academic standards in American schools and exposes some of the trends which have contributed to this decay. Clara Dobay also wrote education commentaries for the Houston Chronicle. She is survived by her husband, Joseph, son, Louis, and 2 daughters Marie and Katherine. We will miss her intelligence, joyful spirit, kindness, and strength. She distilled in us a desire to be honest, respectful, caring, and fair to all people. She encouraged us to become educated and appreciate various cultures. Her spirit lives on. She will always be remembered by those whose lives she has touched. Clara Dobay suffered from Alzheimer’s dementia for 10 years after being treated for breast cancer. She has reunited with her parents (Otis and Katie Bell Viator), 2 brothers (Ronald “Dutch” and Larry) , cousin (Bud) and sister (Ruth Ann) in heaven. Her Memorial Service will be held at the Church at Horseshoe Bay on Thursday, June 25th. An online guest register may be signed at www.CremationAdvocates.net . Clara Dobay is in the care of Cremation Advocates by Putnam, 206 Avenue H, Suite 204, Marble Falls, Texas 78654. (830) 798-8413.
In Memoriam