Mary Clark

Mary Jane Clark passed away on July 24, 2021 at the age of 100 years and 3 months.

Born Mary Jane Wertzberger on May 17, 1921, in Alma, Kansas, the daughter of Arthur H. and Mary (Tenbrink) Wertzberger.  She grew up in Alma, attended Alma Grade School and graduated from Alma High School in 1939.

She worked for the Wabaunsee County AAA, Wabaunsee County Treasurer and Register of Deeds offices.  She also worked for the First National Bank in Alma and W.G. Weaver & Son Abstract office also in Alma.

She was baptized, received her First Holy Communion, Confirmation and was married in Holy Family Church in Alma.

In 1945, she married C. Eldon Clark and moved to Paxico, Kansas, where the couple resided on Snokomo Road.  The couple engaged in farming, raising their five children to appreciate the value of hard work and strong Christian ethics.

Mary Jane was active in the Newbury Catholic Church Altar Society and the Snokomo Silent Workers in addition to other activities.

In 1968, the couple moved to Manhattan, Kansas, where she was active in Seven Dolores Catholic Church.  Her husband was employed at Kansas State University.

Following retirement in 1982, the couple moved to Lake Wabaunsee where they enjoyed many years of lake activities particularly hosting family reunions with their children and grandchildren.   She was active in St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Eskridge and the Lake Wabaunsee Bunko Club.

Mrs. Clark was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years C. Eldon Clark.

She is survived by her children, Gary (Michele) and Marvin (Gail deceased) (Mary) both from Florida, and her 3 daughters, Janice (George) Brown from Lake Wabaunsee, Carol (Kent) Whitaker from St. Louis and Mary Beth Clark from Topeka, along with 12 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at Sacred Heart (Newbury) Catholic Church on Friday, July 30, at 10:30 AM.  Rosary on Thursday, July 29 at 7:00 PM also at Newbury, the family will receive friends from 5:00 until the Rosary at the church.  Attire is Lake Wabaunsee casual!

Interment will be at  Holy Family Catholic Cemetery, Alma.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sheltered Living of Topeka, and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple Street, St. Marys, Kansas 66536.  To leave online condolences go to www.piperfuneralhome.com.