Clarke, Shirley

Shirley Clarke, 86, formerly of Springville, died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012, at Linn Manor Care Center in Marion. Services will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, at the Springville United Methodist Church, with visitation at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Wilcox Cemetery, Viola. Goettsch Funeral Home, Anamosa, is in charge of the arrangements. Thoughts, memories, and condolences may be left at .

Shirley Louise Armstrong was born in Viola on Sept. 17, 1926, the second child of Roy and Leoma Armstrong. Her mother died when she was eight years old, and Eva DeLancey Armstrong was a loving stepmother for her growing up years.

Shirley graduated from Viola High School, attended Iowa State Teacher's College for the summer, and began teaching at a country school north of Mount Vernon at the age of 17. She married Ernest Clarke on Nov. 8, 1944, before he left to serve overseas in World War II. Their marriage lasted for nearly 67 years until Ernest's death in October 2011. Ernest and Shirley farmed in Anamosa, Central City, Mount Vernon, and Viola. For 33 years Shirley was employed by Rockwell Collins as an inspector. She was an active member of Springville United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women.

The greatest tribute to Shirley's life is the wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she was. Celebrating her life are her three children and spouses, Barbara and Jerry Oakland of Marion, Gary and Beth Clarke of Ames, and Alan and Barb Clarke of Longwood, Fla. Grandchildren and families are Debi and Brian Enabnit, Maxwell and Meredith of Dubuque, Betsy and Jay Garey, and Anna of Richfield, Minn., Aprille Clarke and Denny Crall, Miles and Tobin of Iowa City, Adam Clarke of San Francisco, Calif., Laura and Joe Blasi and Joshua of Kansas City, Mo., Tyler Clarke of Lincoln, Neb., and Erin and Brad Lewter and Gwynneth of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Sisters and brothers are Donna and Lee Schoon, Marion, Leon and Dorothy Shaffer, Martelle, George and Pat Armstrong, York, Neb., and Carol and Paul Clark, Dubuque, as well as Ernest's siblings, Roger and Susan Clarke, Central City, and Beverly and Phil Leipold, Davenport. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Violet Armstrong.

Memorials may be given to Springville United Methodist Church, Matthew 25 Ministry Hub, or Linn Manor Care Center.

The family wishes to thank Linn Manor Care Center staff and Hospice of Mercy for their wonderful care and attention to both Shirley and Ernest.

Published Dec. 16, 2012 in The Gazette