Shirley May Clark

Shirley was born May 31st, 1936 in Kenmare N.D. to Peter and Rose Ackerman. She was the 11th of 12 children. She was raised in Kenmare and graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1954. On June 23rd, 1955 she married James R. Clark. They were married for 55 years before Jim's death in May of 2011. Together they raised 8 children.

The family moved to Wilbur in 1974 to be near Jim's family.

Shirley enjoyed her garden and flower beds, playing the piano and accordion, sewing, baking, cooking, and playing cards and games with family and friends. She enjoyed being active in her church, playing in two Bunco groups, being part of the Long Stemmed Roses and Sunday breakfast with her friends. When she was younger she enjoyed curling, bowling and golf. Her greatest joy and love was spending time with her family. She knew the favorite cookies, bars, cakes and pies of all her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She had them ready when they came to visit or when she went to see them. In addition, buns, cinnamon and caramel rolls were baked for every family holiday and get together. Her greatest gift was serving others with a faith that was strong and we are sure that God is saying "Well done, my faithful servant".

Shirley is survived by her children; Janell (Stephen) Jones of Washougal, Jody (Paul) Jones of Reardan, Jerry (Robin) Clark of Nine Mile Falls, Jean (Gale) Gardner of Lind, Jana (Brian) Bodeau of Wilbur, James (Sonya) Clark II of Nine Mile Falls, Joe (Tina) Clark of East Wenatchee and Josh Clark of Odessa. Brothers James, Leroy and Peter Ackerman and sisters Marilyn Kalmbach and Darlene Bartuska all in North Dakota. Shirley leaves behind 26 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, parents Peter and Rose, and brothers; Lawrence, Maurice, Bud and Alvin Ackerman, and sisters; Evelyn Schmidt and Rachel Mattern, and one great-granddaughter, Mylah Frees.

Rosary service will be held on Thursday, July 14th, 2016, at 7:00 P.M. and a funeral mass will be Friday, July 15th, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wilbur, WA with Father Kenny St. Hilaire officiating. There will be a private interment for the family at a later date. Those wishing to give memorials may consider Sacred Heart Catholic Church, P.O. Box 106, Wilbur, WA 99185, or a memorial of your choice. Please sign the online guestbook at www.stratefuneralhome.com. STRATE FUNERAL HOME, WILBUR, WA is caring for the Clark family.