Evelyn H Clarke

Evelyn Hope Clarke, 95, of Ventura, died peacefully in her sleep Thursday morning, July 28, 2011. She was one of the first women in Ventura to own her own retail business (dress shop) as well as having developed a group of life-long friends.

Evelyn Hope Bratcher, one of thirteen children, was born June 28, 1916 in Mount Dora, New Mexico. She came to Ventura at fourteen and was raised, educated and remained in Ventura for over 51 years. She was married to Arnold Maurer and had one daughter, Marcia.

A graduate of Ventura High School in 1934, she attended Ventura College, majoring in Home Economics and English. In 1950, Evelyn purchased a ready-to-wear clothing store located on East Main Street in Ventura and named it the “Evelyn Hope Shop”. It was in operation until 1953.

She married Robert Clarke on March 20, 1954 and lived on Dorothy Avenue until Bob’s retirement from the insurance business in 1976. They lived in Arizona and Fallbrook, California for a time before moving back to Ventura in 1996.

Evelyn loved to play bridge and she and Bob belonged to a three-table group for many years. Strong friendships established then continued to flourish and the group would travel to and from Fallbrook, later meeting regularly in Ventura.

Evelyn really enjoyed fashion, redecorating, gardening and bridge. Her favorite pastime, however, was being with her many Ventura friends.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Clarke on January 19, 2003. She is survived by her daughter, Marcia Lyman of Stockton; grandchildren, Karri and her husband Jeff Herwitz of Reno, Nevada and Kelly Lyman of Ocean Beach, California; nephew, Stuart Lesnett and his wife Charlee of Centreville, Virginia: and niece, Pat Leiler of Phoenix, Arizona.

Evelyn had been a resident of Cypress Place since March of 2006, where she experienced many years of exemplary care.

A Celebration of Life will be held 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at Cypress Place, 1200 Cypress Point Lane, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com