Barbara Jean Clark

Barbara was born on April 24, 1923, in Owatonna, Minnesota, to Guy and Ethel Barclay. Her early years were spent in Grinnell, Iowa, where she developed the determination, faith, and enthusiasm that would define her remarkable life.

On November 23, 1945, she married her sweetheart, Thomas F. Clark after he returned from serving in the Army Air Corps in WW II. Together they built a strong and loving family and shared many wonderful years before Tom's passing in 2004.

She is survived by her four sons, Todd (Charlene) Clark, Steve (Ann) Clark, Marty (Leigh Ann) Clark, and Doug (Mary) Clark; 14 grandchildren; Sarah, Seth, Bekah, Ben, Katie, Lauren, Jenny, Andy, Megan, Casey, Colin, Kelly, Danny and Jill, and 33 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Barbara was a devout Christian whose faith guided every aspect of her life. She was a longtime member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, where she founded the church library and faithfully served as its director for decades. Her commitment to service, learning, and fellowship left a lasting impact on her church family. Additionally, she was also employed by Zondervan Family Book Store for many years.

A woman of extraordinary energy and talent, Barbara dedicated much of her life to athletics and teaching. The Dayton Daily News recognized her for her leadership and accomplishments in numerous sports, including tennis, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and especially ice skating where she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement award by the Ice Skating Institute of America. Tom and Barbara also contributed countless volunteer hours supporting the Dayton Dolphins Swim and Diving Teams.

Ice skating became Barbara's claim to fame. As a young woman, she performed professionally with Shipstads and Johnson's Ice Follies from 1941 - 1943, delighting audiences with her grace and athleticism. Family members often smiled at the story that her original dream of competing in Roller Derby was firmly rejected by her mom—a decision that ultimately steered her toward a legendary career on the ice.

Barbara's influence extended far beyond her own skating career. She was coach and choreographer for the Kettering Morning Glories and founded the Kettering Ice Kadettes Synchronized Skating team. Under her leadership, skaters competed throughout North America and earned numerous National Championships. Her passion for excellence and love of skating inspired generations of athletes.

Never one to slow down, Barbara embraced new opportunities throughout her life. She became a line dancing coach and, remarkably, served as an Adjunct Professor for Sinclair Community College while in her 90s. She also brought joy to countless residents through her leadership of line dancing and sing-alongs at St. Leonard's, sharing her love of music, laughter, and community.

Barbara's family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care and friendship provided by the staffs of Bethany Lutheran Village and St. Leonard, where she spent cherished years surrounded by caring professionals and friends.

Barbara's life was a testament to faith, perseverance, service, and joy. Whether on the ice, in church, or among family & friends, she inspired others to live fully, love generously, and never stop striving. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers consider planting something colorful in your yard as a remembrance of Barb. If desired, a Memorial Gift can be made to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church Education Fund.

Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4865 Wilmington Pike Kettering, OH Thursday June 18 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM followed immediately by a Memorial Service which will be live streamed at www.emmanuellc.org.

Funeral services provided by Tobias Funeral Home. More information is available at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.