Betty Lou Clark

Betty met Paul and they began dating in the freshman year at Albia Community High School. A dedicated educator, Betty graduated from Iowa State Teachers College and taught in Davenport, Iowa. Paul attended college before serving in the US Army for 2 years. Upon his return from Korea, they married on June 5th, 1955, at the United Methodist Church in Albia, Iowa.

Following her teaching career, Betty chose to stay at home and raise their growing family. Later in life, she pursued a career as a controller, working for many years in the Lansing area before retiring.

Together, Betty and Paul built a beautiful life spanning 70 years of marriage. The couple first made their home in Bettendorf, Iowa, where they built and lived in their first home until 1974 when they relocated to Lansing, Michigan.

Throughout their lives, Betty and Paul were devoted members of the United Methodist Church in Bettendorf, Iowa and in Lansing, Michigan. Their faith remained a cornerstone of their lives together.

After retirement, Betty and Paul became snowbirds, spending their winters along the Gulf Coast in Florida, Texas, and Alabama. They were active members of the Michigan Club in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they cherished time with church friends from Michigan and the many new friendships they formed over the years. Betty spent countless peaceful hours overlooking the Gulf, where she lovingly hand-sewed thousands of beads onto Christmas stockings and tree skirts for each of her grandchildren. She also delighted in her annual tradition of shopping for school clothes for her grandchildren each fall.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Paul Clark, and three children: Kimberlee (Stephen) Manor and children Ryan and Sarah; Susan (Lee) Schulz and children Ethan, Jeremy, and Dane; Craig (Alison) Clark and children Evan, Elise and Tate. Her grandchildren were the absolute joy of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hayden and Eva Jones; infant daughter, Jennifer Clark; and her sister, Beverly Sofranko.

Honoring Betty’s wishes and thoughtful planning, there will be no service. Betty will be cremated and interred at Great Lakes National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Betty’s memory are encouraged to contribute to a food bank of their choice. Betty was passionate about supporting the Greater Lansing Food Bank, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to helping others in her community.