Clarice S. Leitgen, 85, passed away peacefully on July 16th, 2022, at a loving home in New Braunfels, Texas. Clarice was born on February 4th, 1937 in Huntingdon, Tennessee to John and Lolar Smothers.

Clarice grew up on a small farm near Huntingdon, attended various "country" grade schools, and graduated from Clarksburg High School. Her interest in business led her to the University of Tennessee Martin after high school. However, anxious to join the working world and avoid further school expenses, Clarice left college after her freshman year and went to Memphis. There, she joined a law firm as a secretary. But it wasn't long after that, Clarice decided to follow her heart to Nashville, where she relished the beautiful countryside of middle Tennessee. Soon after her arrival, Clarice put her expert typing and planning skills on showcase and accepted a job as Assistant to the Editor of Children's Books at the prestigious Methodist Publishing House. Clarice had an infectious smile and she never met a stranger. She was full of life and always on the move. She loved people and entertainment. She even worked on the weekends as a tour guide for the renowned Grand Ole Opry, conducting bus tours past the homes of famous country music stars.

While living in Nashville, Clarice met Robert "Bob" Leitgen, who was working for Dupont. The two married on December 12th, 1964 at St. Joseph's Church in Madison.  They would spend the next 58 years together raising their family, caring for grandkids, and building lasting memories.

Their daughter, Jennifer, was born in Nashville. Shortly afterwards, Bob's work took them to Wilmington, North Carolina where their 2 sons, Robb and Christopher, were born. Further work moves carried the family to Wilmington, Delaware and Corpus Christi, Texas, before finally settling in Katy, Texas for 42 years. New Braunfels eventually became their permanent home during retirement.

Clarice was grateful to be a stay-at-home mom. From little league team mom, Girl Scout leader, and project graduation coordinator to chauffeur, cook, and hostess, Clarice was deeply involved with her kid's activities. Her home, and kitchen, (think cheeseball, fried okra, and turkey burgers), was a favorite hangout spot for many of her kid's childhood friends, and her yard, the site of many epic sporting events. Clarice was her children's number one fan and confidant, always willing to lend an ear and help in any way. She had the intuition of a skillful detective, with the uncanny knack of always knowing what her kids were up to; and the unwavering drive to keep them on the right track. After her children were grown, Clarice' interest in jewelry led her to a job in the fine jewelry department at Lord & Taylor, where she eventually became the department manager. However, one of Clarice' greatest roles came later as "Grammie." Her love for her 6 grandkids was immeasurable. She always made time for babysitting and attending their various events and games. Every one of them will always be her "Little Honey." In addition to being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, Clarice was a dedicated caretaker to her parents and brother, providing them round-the-clock care during their most critical times. Acts that would greatly influence her children and teach them valuable lessons.

Throughout their marriage, Clarice found comfort in hard work. She loved gardening, working the soil, pulling weeds, laying mulch and watching things grow. Later in life, as Alzheimer's progressed, Clarice found beauty in simple things. She loved bird-watching, driving through the neighborhood counting the deer and asking Bob many questions. As the years passed, their love for each other never faded.

Clarice' deep faith was the core of her life and a blessing to her family. Her commitment to prayer and bible study sustained her and the family through both good and difficult times. She was an avid reader of Scripture, loved her Savior, and found peace in the old Gospel hymns.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lolar Smothers; and brother Dorian K. Smothers. Clarice is survived by her husband, Robert Leitgen, Sr., daughter, Jennifer Leitgen Pfannstiel and husband, Jay, son, Robert Leitgen, Jr. and wife Katie, son, Christopher Leitgen and wife,  Jessica; and 6 grandchildren, Haley Pfannstiel, BradyPfannstiel, Avery Leitgen, Lauryn Leitgen, McKenzie Leitgen, and Luke Leitgen.

A visitation and viewing for Clarice was held on August 1st, 2022 at Zoeller Funeral Home, in New Braunfels. A funeral mass was held on August 2, 2022 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in New Braunfels, followed by a reception at The Columbus Club Hall.

Burial will be September 3, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Davis Chapel, HWY 22 S, Huntingdon, Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer's Research.