Lula E. Clarke, 97, passed away July 28, 2014. Visitation on Thurs., July 31st from 10:30am – 12pm at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church (10010 E. 40 HWY Indep., MO) with Mass of Christian Burial at 12pm. Interment following in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Lula was born May 14, 1917 in Everest, KS to Frank Sr. & Flora Skidmore. Two more children followed her; a sister, Mary Lillie & a brother, Frank Jr. Lula loved attending grade school and high school. She especially enjoyed reading, English and hand writing. She was unable to attend her high school graduation due to illness and told the story of how the teacher tossed the diploma over the yard fence to her.
After graduation she came to Kansas City with a girlfriend and worked for Sears at 15th and Cleveland. During the war she moved to Los Angeles to be with her sister Lillie and her nephew. After a year she was homesick for her parents and returned to Kansas City where she returned to work for Sears and became the manager of the toy dept.
Lula moved into a boarding house at 27th and Benton. Before the war the landlady had rented to boys. Lula said she always heard good things about “Johnny”. When the men returned from World War II the landlady had them living in a house next door. The men and women would have a formal meal each evening, wearing their Sunday clothes; jackets were required. This is where Lula & John met. Lula would mend John’s jacket or sew a button for him.
Lula and John were married August 15, 1948 in Marceline, MO on a Sunday afternoon. They honeymooned in Branson, MO when there was only the cave with a stepladder to enter. They did some fishing and visited Lula’s family in the Ozarks. In 1964, 50 years ago, they moved to Independence, MO. They have been part of Nativity of Mary Parish ever since and Lula would volunteer when she was requested.
Earlier in life Lula enjoyed ceramics then later her hobbies included traveling, baking, cooking, sewing, knitting & reading. She enjoyed preparing food for family and friends. She was great baker; famous for her cakes, breads, rolls and small cookies. One year she made bunny buns for Easter. She always enjoyed making and sharing new recipes. Lula enjoyed sewing and all kinds of hand work. She loved her home and took great pride in her housekeeping and laundry skills. Lula loved books. Even after she could no longer see; she used the books on tape to continue her love of literature. Her daughter, Mary Kay, would read a book while Lula listened. They enjoyed sharing and chatting about the books they read.
Lula was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Frank Jr. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, John of the home; a daughter, Mary Kay Clarke & a sister, Mary Lillie Pettey and her nieces & nephews. Lula was a loving wife, sister, aunt, best friend and the best Mother anyone could have ever had. We are glad you can now see, hear and walk as you enjoy your new life with the Lord. We love you and will miss you every day!
Memorial contributions may be made to the Nativity Building Fund, 10010 E. 40 HWY, Independence, MO 64053. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr; McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64133, 816-353-6555.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18