Mary Lou Clark, 88, of Atlantic, died Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Atlantic Specialty Care.
Mary Lou was born on April 30, 1934, in Hastings, Nebraska, the daughter of Lloyd M. and Dorothy Janette (Sittner) Rhodes. On October 26, 1953, she was united in marriage to James Leroy Clark in Blair, Nebraska. The couple was blessed with seven children, Deb, Mike, James, Mark, Bill, John, and Roger. The family lived in Carter Lake, Iowa, Salt Lake City, Utah and Ogden, Utah, before moving to Atlantic, Iowa in 1976, to be closer to James’ parents.
She worked at Salem Lutheran Home and the Atlantic Care Center as a CNA; but most of her time was spent at home raising her kids. Mary Lou treasured every moment she shared with her family whether it be camping, gathering for holidays or family reunions. The whole crew could often be found at the casino playing the slots or betting on the dog races. They also loved to gather around the table at home playing cards; poker and pitch being Mary Lou’s favorites. Fishing was a great pastime with her husband; collecting the night crawlers even turned into a small business for a few years. Mary Lou and James were avid travelers; visiting Rome, Paris, most of the United States and many more places through the years.
Mary Lou will be deeply missed by all who knew her; she was always there for you with her kind and loving heart. She is survived by her sons, Mike (Daleen) Clark, Mark Clark, Bill (Tammy) Clark, John (Brenda) Clark and Roger (Tabitha) Clark; 20 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; son-in-law, Kent Dean; brothers, Don Rhodes and Kenny Rhodes; sister, Karen Alvarez; and nieces, nephews and extended family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Dorothy Rhodes; husband, James Clark; son, James “Bird” Clark; daughter, Debra Ann Dean; brothers, Richard Rhodes, in infancy and Eldon Rhodes; and sister-in-law, Dottie Rhodes.
A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the Atlantic Cemetery.
