Claudia Gouchie

Claudia Rencher Gouchie, age 92, passed away July 8, 2010 after a long illness. Claudia was born in Orange, Texas December 10, 1917 to Clarence and Elizabeth Rencher. Claudia lived in Corpus Christi most of her life. She graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1935. She was a long time member of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church where she sang in the 11:00 A.M. choir. Claudia worked for Lichtenstein’s Department Store in the Post Office Department. She also worked at Nichols Westwood Pharmacy, Lynda Anderson Real Estate and for the past 30 years at Calallen Realty Company. Claudia was also known as “Buttercup” the Clown for over 50 years. She lovingly entertained at children’s birthday parties where she performed magic shows and was a ventroguillist with her sidekick “Woody Knothead.” Buttercup was a member of Clown, Inc. and the local Clown Alley. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Paul “Doc” Gouchie; parents, Clarence and Elizabeth Rencher; sisters, Ruby Roland, Callie Smith, Bessie Webb, Rhoda Cavin, Elizabeth Hart; brother, Sonny Rencher. She is survived by her sister, Camilla Watkins and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, July 9, 2010 from 6:00 to 7:00 P.M, at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. The Rosary will be recited on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. at Sawyer-George Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, July 10, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Seamus McGowan as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Memory Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dennis Murray, Michael Pusley, Buzzy Hart, Mark Hudson, Ronnie Watkins and Donnie Watkins. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church in her memory.