Frances Claudette Kemen age 64 of Zolfo Springs, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at home surrounded by her family. She was born January 31, 1951 in Tampa Florida moving to Hardee County in 1974 and was a member of St. Michael s Parish. Claudette and her late husband John owned and operated Kemen s Auto Parts in Wauchula for over 40 years. She was also active in many community services such as St. Michael s Council of Catholic Women, the Wednesday Musicale, the Heartland Chorale, FFMC Florida Fellows, and serviced many years on Project Graduation. Claudette wished to make the following statement after her passing. It has been a privilege to serve my community. As owner of Kemen s Auto Parts, John and I have met someone from almost every family in Hardee County over the past 40 years. It has been an honor to raise our children surrounded by all of you. Participating in the Wednesday Musicale has allowed me to make many friends along the way on the local, district and state levels. My hope is that I have blessed others as they have blessed me. Music has played a vital role in my life; comforting me in times of loss lifting me up in time of need, giving me life in joyous moments. Serving in my church has always been a priority for me. I believe in giving back your talents to God. God has never forsaken me. He has given me peace & grace to continue on when life was difficult. So many have prayed for me and I thank them for remembering me in prayer. My children and grandchildren are my greatest blessings. Like everyone else I wish I were here to share their lives. But, God calls and I have willingly gone on; taking with me my wonderful memories. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband John Kemen and parents Eldred Hank and Mary Cox Howard. Claudette is survived by her son Jason Richard Kemen and wife Angelique of Chicago, IL; daughter Mary Kiella and husband Lewis of Zolfo Springs; two brothers Richard Howard of Gibsonton, FL, David Howard and wife Evelyn of Clermont, FL; sister Judy Alice Davis of Orlando; brother-in-law Ed Doherty and wife Susan of Jacksonville; four grandchildren Dalton Michael Kiella, Tayler Madison Kiella, Giovanna Marie Kemen, Dominic John Kemen; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2015 from 6pm 8pm at the Chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home in Wauchula. Service will at 10 am Monday, June 8, 2015 at St. Michael Catholic Parrish . Burial will follow at Wauchula City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org or to Catholic Charities at www.catholiccharitiesusa.org On-line condolences can be made at www.pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.