Kathleen Clark

Kathleen “Kate” Virginia (Stewart) Clark, age 100, of Maplewood passed away peacefully of natural causes early Tuesday morning, June 7, 2022, at her home.  She was born September 4, 1921 in Massillon, Ohio, to the late Vivian and Nelly (Prater) Stewart.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Clark as well as 3 siblings and spouses: William & Dorothy Stewart, Mary & Virgil Bell, and Thomas Stewart, as well as brother and sister-in-law Harry and Olive Clark.  Surviving are 5 children: Virginia “Ginny” & Tom Lochard of Maplewood, Mike & Gail Clark of Maplewood, Walt & Kim Clark of Sidney, Bonnie & Victor Klingelhofer of Quincy, and Emma Nell & Scott Bodenmiller of Maplewood.  She is also survived by 13 Grandchildren, 27 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.

In 1939, Kate graduated from Sidney High School. The following fall, she traveled to Christ Hospital, Cincinnati to pursue her lifelong goal of becoming a nurse.  At that time, the tuition for all 3 years was under $300. Upon her graduation, she began her career as an RN at Wilson Memorial Hospital in both the OB and ER sections (something that would be unheard of today) of the, then, very little hospital. On December 16, 1945, she married Franklin Clark of Maplewood. As her family grew, Kate worked nights private duty to come home and care for her family.  Later she would work in several nursing homes and found her true calling with the elderly.  The last 14 years of her nursing career were at Dorothy Love Retirement Community where she had many fond memories.  She often held open house at her farm home so the residents could come and enjoy the floral gardens and farm setting.

Kate and Frank worked together on the family farm near Maplewood.  Kate enjoyed many hobbies and belonged to several organizations over the years.  Her love of flowers was evident in her numerous flower gardens at home and her many floral entries at the Shelby County Fair.  She also found time to sew clothes for her family, plant a full vegetable garden, preserve food from the farm, refinish antiques, and remodel the old farmhouse to modernize it for her large family. She also worked with the local women at the County Extension Office learning and teaching Homemaker projects. She was in church every Sunday, belonged to the United Methodist Women, directed 3 church choirs, and taught Sunday School and VBS.  Later In life, she volunteered at FISH in Sidney and made quilts for her Grandchildren’s Weddings.  She was a member of the Maplewood Grange for 85 years, having joined at age 16, and attended the Maplewood United Methodist Church her entire life. God and church were a very important part of her life and she lived it daily. 

Kate was a very strong, determined woman who got things done. She never asked more of anyone else that she wouldn’t do herself.  Kate was very social and loved having people over for visiting, reunions, Euchre games, outdoor games, large meals, homemade ice cream, New Year’s Day breakfast, and hot dogs on the fire.  As her husband’s health declined, she found ways to bring people in so he had company as well.  Kate cared for Frank at home until his death in 1995.   After Frank’s death she did some traveling with her Sister-in-law, Olive Clark, and spent many winters in Florida with her sister, Mary.

Family was always very important and close by. She enjoyed and was very proud of each of her grandchildren. Kate was the true matriarch of her family and has left a fine legacy for them.

Friends may call Sunday, June 12, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M at the Adams Funeral Home, 1401 Fair Road, Sidney. Celebration of her life will also be at Adams Funeral Home on Monday, June 13, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Bill Halter presiding.  Burial will follow in Glen Cemetery, Pt. Jefferson.  Lunch will follow at Kate’s Home. Memorials can be made to Wilson Hospice of Sidney or the Maplewood Fire Department. Private condolences may be expressed at www.theadamsfuneralhome.com .

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