Clara Ilene Shake Ralston

Clara Ilene Shake Ralston

On Thursday, May 7, 2026 our Dad, George, came with the angels and took our Mom, Ilene, back with him to their mansion in our Father’s House.

Clara Ilene Shake was the oldest child born to Joseph Shake Sr. and Esther Kemper Shake on April 9, 1931 in Terre Haute. She was raised on the Avenues during the depression and World War II. She attended McKeen, Deming and Garfield schools, graduating in 1949 as a member of the National Honor Society. She was active in music, playing the piano and accordion and singing in the school and church choirs.

On December 24, 1948, she married her high school sweetheart George Ralston Jr. They were together for 58 years before the angels took him on December 19, 2006. They were the parents of three children, George III (Connie), Kathy Ilene Ralston Nicoson (Tom) and Richard (deceased).

She is also survived by six grandchildren. Mark Ralston II, Sara Ralston Clingerman (Mike), Tricia Ilene Nicoson Finney (Michael), Kristy Nicoson, Philip Ralston (Erin), Christina Ralston Cantrell (Jeff). Also, eleven great grandchildren, Mark Jr. Ralston, Audrey Ralston, Layla Ralston, Rachel Clingerman Williams (Phillip), Michael Clingerman, Morgan Ilene Finney (Jake Tanner), Madison Finney, Rashawn Nicoson (Anna), Samuel Carson, Connor Rayburn, Blake Ralston, Audrey Ilene Cantrell, Parker George Cantrell. Also expecting a great great grandchild in August.

She was very proud, along with her there were four other Ilene’s in her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and son. Also sister Mary Jo Shake Lemont (Bob) and brother Joseph Shake Jr. (Joann). Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews. A special great niece, Belinda Hawkins (BJ) for her extra loving care at Majestic North.

Ilene enjoyed bowling. Bingo, cards (bridge and poker), going to the casino and watching sports on TV, especially the Colts, Pacers, high school football and soccer. Especially Lucky Andy and Peyton Manning.

Ilene has been a member of Trinity Methodist church during her earlier years and was a member of First Baptist Church.

George and Ilene made 10 moves in 17 years in his job with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They made friends from McNeil Island, State of Washington to Washington DC in their travels. Also Milan, Michigan, Marion, Ill., Petersburg, VA., Springfield, MO. and Kansas City Mo.

There will be no service or visitation. There will be a private celebration of life at a later date. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Light House Mission or Humane Shelter.

The obituary was written by our mom after she had a stroke 9 years ago and moved in with her daughter and son in law.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fitzpatrick Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be left at: www.fitzpatrick-funeralhome.com