Virginia (Smith) CLARK

CLARK, SMITH, PORTER, TATE, HALVERSON, BELL, MATER, PETERS, BIRT

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 12/11/2013 at 13:02:05

January 9, 1925 --- December 8, 2013

Johnston, IA -- Virginia Smith Clark was born on January 9, 1925 and passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa on Sunday, December 8, 2013.

Virginia grew up on her family farm near Eagle Grove, Iowa where she graduated from high school. She went on to attend nursing school at St. Lukes Methodist Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa earning a registered nurse degree in 1946. She moved to California where she worked at the Veterans hospital in Santa Monica and met her future husband, Clarence (Chuck) Clark. Chuck and Virginia were married in 1947 in Eagle Grove, Iowa at her parent's home. In 1949 Virginia, Chuck, with their baby daughter, Cynthia, returned to the family farm in Eagle Grove where Virginia grew up.

Virginia was an active member of the community and the Methodist church in Eagle Grove. She loved the small community of Eagle Grove and was actively involved in the organization of the senior citizen center and meals on wheels program. She was a member of the PEO sisterhood, chapter EJ, in Eagle Grove. In her younger years, she was a potter with her own wheel and kiln. Virginia enjoyed painting, playing cards, and Scrabble. She was also a connoisseur of all things chocolate. Virginia and Chuck created wonderful memories as they raised their children on the farm. One special place in Virginia's heart was Clear Lake, Iowa, where her family owned one of the original cabins on the lake. She and Chuck traveled the world and in later years they enjoyed the warm sun of Arizona, proudly taking on the title of "snowbird".

Virginia was passionate about her family and she considered her friends an extension of her family. Virginia's warm and kind heart was felt by all. She lived a life of honesty and integrity with an amazing sense of humor. Chuck and Virginia invited their beloved Boston terrier, Bella, into their lives five years ago. Bella has been a loyal companion for Virginia, often snuggling up to her, keeping her warm on cold winter nights. Virginia and Chuck moved to Johnston, IA in 2006 to live closer to family. This move led Virginia to a new spiritual home at St. Paul Presbyterian Church where she became a member.

Virginia was preceded in death by her father Russell Robert Smith, mother Florence Porter Smith, her sister Jean Halverson, her son-in-law, Ronald Tate and her daughter-in-law, Kelli Clark. Mourning her death and cherishing the memories are husband, Chuck Clark, daughter, Cynthia Tate and her husband Kenneth Bell, Polk City, IA, son David R. Clark, Johnston IA and Daughter Julie Mater and her husband Duane Mater, Carlsbad, CA. Five grandchildren, Charissa (Tate) Peters, Carin (Tate) Birt, Lindsey Clark, Max Clark all of Johnston IA and Claire Mater, Carlsbad CA. Four great-grandchildren Jacob Peters, Mya Peters, Reagan Birt and Elijah Birt, Johnston, IA.

A service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:30 in the morning at St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 6426 Merle Hay road, Johnston, Iowa followed by fellowship and lunch. In lieu of flowers the family request a donation be made to Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Drive, Johnston, IA 50131. Merle Hay Funeral Home, Urbandale, IA.

Des Moines Register - Des Moines, Iowa
December 10, 2013