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Shirley F. Clark, age 91, of Marion, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at the Kingston Residence of Marion.
On June 13, 1932, Shirley was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the younger of two daughters of the late Kermit Dawson and Dallas Marie (Grant) Bush. She graduated from Parkersburg High School in the class of 1951.
During school, Shirley shared many classes with William George "Bill" Clark, unaware at the time that she would share the rest of her life with him. They were married on October 9, 1954, and shared sixty-six loving years of marriage. Together they raised five children: Jeffrey, William Brian, David Scott, Greg, and Laura. He preceded her in death on February 8, 2021.
In the beginning of their marriage, Shirley's focus was caring for her husband and children. As a family, they moved to Marion, Ohio, in 1968, for a promotion Bill received at the General Telephone Company. As the kids started to become more self-sufficient, Shirley became an aid at Marion General Hospital in 1973. Finding her niche caring for the health of others, she completed the hospital's program to become a Licensed Practicing Nurse (LPN) and then continued her education to further the care she could provide in the hospital, earning her Registered Nursing (RN) degree from Marion Technical College in 1978. She worked in the ICU first, but the majority of her career was spent in the medical-surgical unit. After 20 years of care, she retired from the hospital in 1993.
Near and dear to Shirley's heart, she was proud to serve on the board of the Residential Home Association - Marion (RHAM), who helped provide housing and care for her sister, Betty. She wanted to advocate for those in need however she could. She also helped by volunteering at the Marion Free Clinic.
Very faithful, Shirley was an active member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Marion, where she loved serving on the Altar Guild with her friends. She also was a member of the Friends of the Library, the Creators Guild, and she volunteered with the Marion County Board of Election for many years.
With a love for traveling, Shirley had the opportunity to further her education in Spain with a group of nurses from around the country. Another highlight for her was visiting England.
In her later years, Shirley took up quilting, sewing, and knitting making things for grandkids and friends to enjoy. She also enjoyed learning to make different arts and crafts.
Shirley will be remembered for her heart to serve and be there for others in their time of need.
Left to cherish her memory are his five children: Jeffrey Clark, William Brian (Jeaneane) Clark, David Scott Clark, Greg (Rita) Clark, and Laura (Dan) Day; 10 grandchildren: Erin Baldwin, Patrick Clark, Samantha Clark, William Andrew Clark, Sara Oliver, Christopher Clark, Timothy Clark, Brandon Day, Ashley Day, and Jillian Day; 14 great-grandchildren; and a niece, nephew, and several cousins.
Including her husband and parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her sister, Betty Bush; and daughter-in-law, Tina Clark.
Her family will greet friends from 10AM to 12Noon on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect St., Marion. Funeral service honoring her life will immediately follow at 12Noon with her former co-worker at Marion General Parish Deacon Ann Thomas officiating. For those unable to attend, you can watch Shirley's services livestreamed via this link (https://emanuellutheran.net/stream/). Burial will follow at a later date in Marion Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect St., Marion, OH 43302, Capital City Hospice, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr #170, Columbus, OH 43231, or to RHAM, 205 W Center St, Marion, OH 43302.
On behalf of her family, they would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to Kingston Residence of Marion for their many of years of caring for mom and to Capital City Hospice for the comfort and care they provided in mom's final days.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve Shirley's family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.