Claire Butler Davis

CASA GRANDE - Claire Butler Davis, 89, of Casa Grande, a retired educator, died on March 29, 2020, at home, as she wished.

Mrs. Davis was born on Sept. 26, 1930, in Fort Madison, Iowa. Her early education was spent in Catholic schools. After high school graduation she entered the Order of St. Benedict at Rock Island, Illinois. She was trained as a teacher and ultimately as a principal in all areas of study in the convent schools. Her formal college education began while she was a member of the convent, including at Notre Dame University and the University of Chicago. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and elementary education.

She received Vatican permission to be released from her order and the convent in the early 1970s, after which she moved to Arizona and married Donald A. "Don" Davis. She continued her education at Arizona State University, receiving a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. She was a counselor for the Sacaton schools and then became a principal of Saguaro Elementary School in Casa Grande. Upon her retirement, she was an interim principal in some of the elementary schools in the Casa Grande Elementary School District.

In addition to her paid activities, she was very conscientious in her civic and community involvement. She was on the board of directors for the area fine arts council, Casa Grande Art Museum, The Museum of Casa Grande and local libraries. Throughout her life she was surrounded by loving, admiring children, staff, friends and community. She attended as many local functions as she could squeeze into her busy life.

She was preceded in death by seven siblings and her husband.

Her most important beliefs were (1) buy from locally owned shops and restaurants, (2) save the planet, (3) do no harm to anyone or anything. In view of the COVID-19 crisis, her friends request that no flowers, donations or sympathy cards be sent. There will be no memorial service. Those wishing to express condolences are urged to slow down and live their lives more as Claire lived hers.