Lucile Clark

Lucile Marie (Keller) Clark was the third daughter born to Henry and Maude (Bassett) Keller, on Sept. 17, 1932, in rural Lebanon, Kansas. She died peacefully at 7:07 p.m. on July 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Lucile grew up in the Odessa area, attending Esbon School and graduating in 1950. Lucile married her high school sweetheart, Edward Lewis Clark on Dec. 24, 1950. They spent a year in Hastings, Nebraska, before moving to a farm south of Lebanon where their five children were raised, Debra Beth, Dennis Edward, Shelly Jo, Randy Charles and Douglas Robert.

In 1965, Lucile started work at the Jewell County Courthouse and served as the Jewell County Clerk from 1971 to 1975. She was an avid gardener. She enjoyed her Iris beds and planted a huge vegetable garden every year, much to the dismay of her children. She was also passionate about sewing, making all her daughters' dresses while they were growing up and she even made Shelly's wedding dress along with all the bridesmaids' dresses.

In 1975, Lucile and Ed moved to Esbon to their new home. They went to harvest and custom combined for 14 years. In the winter Lucile would work at Esbon Schools as a school "lunch lady." Lucile also worked as a CNA in Mankato and Smith Center hospitals and nursing facilities, retiring when she was 80. Her love of sewing continued throughout her lifetime and through her late 80s and into her 90s she completed more than 3,000 "t-shirt" diapers for babies in Zambia. She enjoyed making tie blankets as well, and made sure her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and all the fur babies had at least one, if not multiples!

Lucile was the local Avon lady for more than 45 years, making friends all over the counties. Her home was full of Avon treasures, and she had a gift for anyone that stopped in.

Her greatest love and joy were her grandchildren. She attended their sporting events and had a Snickers to hand out after the games. She kept all the newspaper clippings and programs from all the grandchildren's games and events. She cherished her little ones and as they grew older, there was a new baby to hold and hug.

Every Labor Day all her children, grandchildren and great-grands that could, traveled to her home for a fun-filled holiday weekend. She loved hosting the entire family and planned the Sunday picnic to host extended family as well. The littles and bigs will really miss this fun weekend.

Lucile's death leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her. She had an endless love for feeding all and knew exactly what you liked and would have it ready for when you arrived. As we mourn Lucile, let us celebrate the light she brought into the world and the countless lives she touched. May her memories continue to inspire us all to show the love we have for one another. Lucile's memory will forever live on in the hearts and stomachs of her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Lucile was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Audrey Young and Joyce Ritter; her husband, Edward in 1991; her first-born son, Dennis Edward in 2015; and her first-born grandson, Tate Edward Findley in 1978.

Lucile is survived by her sister, Charlotte Detwiler of Kensington, Kansas; her daughters, Debra Clark of Liberty, Missouri; Shelly Findley of Hutchinson, Kansas; her sons, Randy Clark of Abilene, Kansas; Doug (Kim) Clark of Emerald Isle, North Carolina; daughter-in-law, Cynthia Clark of Burr Oak; Grandchildren, Marcus Findley (Emily Ernst) of Moundridge, Kansas; Laci (Ryan) Boyle of Wichita; Maurice (Karina) Findley of Haslet, Texas; Derek (Ashley) Clark of Superior; Amanda (Jed) Hastings of Jamestown, North Dakota; Megan (Todd) Peterson of Nickerson, Kansas; Tyler (Megan) Clark of Denver, Colorado; and Brianna Clark of Wentzville, Missouri; Great-grandchildren, Colyn Findley, Kailey Findley, Lakyn Findley, Brenton Findley, Brycen Burkholder, McKenna Burkholder, Olivia Barkley, Dylan Barkley, Dylan Boyle, Dante Boyle, Drew Boyle, Daltyn Boyle, Ezra Findley, Kai Findley, Dayne Clark, Levi Clark, Kamdyn Hastings, Cristian Peterson, Austin Peterson, Montana Peterson, Harrison Clark, Evelyn Clark, and Arianna Clark. And Great-Great Grandchildren Carmynn Findley, and Waylon Findley.

Her funeral will take place at 2 p.m., on Friday, July 19, at the Burr Oak Community Church with Lance McDowell officiating. Memorials may be made to the Esbon Community Center or the Jewell County Hospital in care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 69956.