Paula Jean Clark

Paula Jean Marchael Clark, 75, passed away Monday, July 21, 2025. Services will be held at West Des Moines Christian Church, 4501 Mills Civic Pkwy in West Des Moines, Iowa with visitation on Monday, July 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and the memorial service on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 10:00 AM, followed by inurnment at 12:30 PM at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

Paula was born in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 11, 1950, to Marvin Marchael, Sr. and Pauline (McDaniel) Marchael. She moved to Des Moines, Iowa with her parents and brother in 1957. She graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1968 and married James B. Clark on June 29, 1968, in Des Moines, Iowa.

While Jim served his country during Vietnam from 1969-70, Paula worked for Younkers Department Store and cared for their eldest daughter. Most of her life she worked at one of the most respected jobs of all time – a homemaker and loving wife. Paula served her church as food hostess for funerals and the youth valentine dinners. She volunteered and assisted the church’s financial secretary and was a youth sponsor for many years. While the kids were in school, Paula worked as a child caretaker after school at Hillis Elementary School. In her later years, she worked in the family business as a secretary. Her greatest accomplishment was raising her three children.

Paula was a deeply loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and cherished friend. She loved unconditionally and greeted everyone with a smile. She found great joy in spending time with her family and working alongside them at the family business. Paula deeply cherished her church family at West Des Moines Christian Church, where she found both faith and friendship.

She had a playful spirit—she loved playing cards and games, and she never missed a Hallmark movie, especially the Christmas ones. But what brought her the most laughter was being lovingly harassed by her husband of 57 years, Jim—a bond filled with humor, affection, and a lifetime of memories.

Paula is survived by her husband, Jim; children, Debra (Dick) Fane, Amy (Travis) Frost, Jim, Jr. (Holly) Clark; grandchildren, Nicole Fane, Tyler Clark, Keegan Clark, Dillon Frost, Payton Clark, Lauren Frost; eight bonus grandchildren, Chad, Kurt, Craig, Hunter, Jailen, Makenzi, Treighten, Emmalyn and Prestyn; great-granddaughter, Charlotte; and siblings, Marvin Marchael, Jr. and Jo Nan Johannes. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Please, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to West Des Moines Christian Church or Every Step Kavanagh Hospice House.

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