Mrs. Clara Mae Broedel Shanks died peacefully the evening of October 19, 2012. Clara was born in Utica on October 11, 1926, the daughter of Richard and Dora May Broedel. She was raised locally, graduating from Utica Free Academy. On September 16, 1950, Clara was united in Marriage with Ralph D. Shanks at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Utica. Mr. Shanks passed away this past July, just seven weeks shy of the couples 62nd wedding anniversary. Mrs. Shanks enjoyed a long and productive career with Utica Duxbax where she made many lifelong friends. Clara is survived by her nephew, John Shanks and his wife Bonnie of Forestport, NY; Niece, Janice Blum and her husband Don of Plano, TX; Great nieces, Cynthia Shanks and her fiancé Jeff Williams, Carrie Clover and her husband Michael and their children, Kayla, Austin and Jonathan all of Forestport, NY, as well as a great nephew, Eli Blum and his wife Amanda of Cincinnati, OH. A memorial Mass for Mrs. Shanks will be celebrated on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 10:00 A.M. At St. Joseph & St. Patrick Church, 702 Columbia St., Utica. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Forestport, NY. There are no calling hours.