Mary (McClung) Clarke
November 20, 2015
Mary (McClung) Clarke
Norwalk
Mary (McClung) Clarke, 79, passed away Friday, November 20, 2015 with her family by her side. She was born July 7, 1936 in Davenport, Iowa to Merrill and Harriet (Fowler) Hall. She grew up in Des Moines and lived most recently in Norwalk.
Mary managed the Pioneer Drive-In and Cinema 1 & 2 until they closed. She was famous for hosting slumber parties in the back of her station wagon with her daughters. She worked most recently as the manager of the Casey’s in Norwalk.
Mary was a people person and her customer service skills and her work ethic were unparalleled. She led by example and she instilled her values in many employees she managed over the years.
Mary’s pride and joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a giving nature and was proud of having been a foster parent. She was an avid black jack player at Prairie Meadows and enjoyed raising dogs on the family farm and reading books.
Mary is survived by her husband, James “Jim”; her daughters, the McClung Girls: Debbie, Margo, LuAnne, and Jonette; two step-children; sister, Marilyn Starner; eight grandchildren; twenty-one great-grandchildren; niece, Kim; best friend, Paulyn; and a host of extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Martha.
There will be a memorial celebration of life on Saturday, November 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Family will be present to greet guests one hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Rescue League or the Blank Children’s Hospital in loving memory of Mary.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Daryl and Sue Davis
11/26/2015
Daryl and I want to express our deepest condolences for Mary and especially her daughters, we are flooded with memories when we think that all the girls babysit for our boys, and of course Daryl has fond memories growing up with them. So sorry we would be there in person but in Florida for the winter.
Gene and Martha Wilson
11/26/2015
Our thoughts and prayers are for the family of Mary Clarke and especially to our sister-in-law, LuAnne.
In John 14, we read:
"Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And when I go, I will prepare a place for you and come again, and receive you into myself; that where I am, ye may be also."
Kim Lumadue
11/24/2015
Aunt Mary, You meant the world to me. You were my mentor growing up and into adult hood. You will always have a huge place in my heart always and forever. I love you and miss you so much. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of the family.