Marian St. Clair

Marian (Hile) St. Clair, age 97, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026.

Marian was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Walter and Ruth (Spang) Hile. She spent her childhood at the Streamline Market on Oakland Avenue in Indiana, Pennsylvania, the area’s first self-serve grocery store owned and operated by her parents. After graduating from Indiana (Pennsylvania) High School, she married Raymond “Ray” St. Clair, Jr. on June 25, 1947.

For 68 years, Marian and Ray made their home together in Indiana, Pennsylvania before relocating to Wisconsin. In her young adult years, Marian worked at her parents’ store and at Brody’s Department Store. First and foremost, she enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Marian spent much of her time cooking, baking, and keeping house. Her pantry, freezer and cookie jar were always well-stocked, and she often tried new recipes she found in newspapers and magazines. In her free time, Marian enjoyed bowling and card leagues, playing the organ, decorating, and crafting – especially painting ceramics, needlepoint, and macramé. For many years she made the funnel cake batter for the Young Adult Handicap booth at the Indiana County Fair. Marian had a special way of making gatherings and holidays fun and memorable with elaborate decorations, hors d'oeuvres, table settings and activities.

Marian is survived by Ray, husband of 78 years; son, Robert (Betsy) of Belleville, Wis.; granddaughter, Sara (Damian) Martin of Eau Claire; granddaughter, Susan (Andrew) Babcock of New Berlin, Wis.; and great grandchildren, Benjamin, Ashley and Jackson Babcock.

Marian was preceded in death by her parents; infant daughter, Brenda; son, James; and brothers, Charles and Ralph.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated professionals at Milestone Senior Living Eau Claire, Coventry Village (Madison, Wis.), and St. Croix Hospice (Eau Claire and Baraboo, Wis. offices) for their compassionate care and support of Marian and the family.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date with interment at Oakland Cemetery in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Indiana Lions Club Camp Orenda, 1278 Lions Health Camp Road, Indiana, PA 15701.