Patricia Ann (Wright) Clark

Patricia Ann (Wright) Clark, 77, Topeka, KS went home Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Patricia was born December 29, 1932 in Indianapolis, Indiana the daughter of Anthony and Lillian (Bruder) Wright.  Pat had a close relationship to her father who always called her “Peaches” and always had a peach for her in his pocket.

She was married to Billy L. Clark in Wichita, Kansas on November 26, 1954.  He preceded her in death November of 1966.

Mom didn’t know how to drive at the time of dad’s passing.  Her brother-in-law, Terry Clark, stayed a short time, teaching her how to drive and helped with the care of the children.  Mom started to work in a law firm and quickly moved into an Executive Assistant for Governor Robert F. Bennett and from there accepted a position with Attorney General Bob Stephan as his personal secretary.  She was in charge of all his scheduling and headed up his campaign.  She loved her position with the Attorney General and retired from the Attorney General’s office at the completion of Bob’s term.  She befriended Bob on a personal level and enjoyed her friendship with many of her co-workers. 

Patricia was a very active volunteer and received the Volunteer of the Year award in 1984 from the Volunteer Center of America.  She also volunteered with the Campfire organization which served the youth of Shawnee from grades 1-12 and also served on its Board of Directors.  Patricia was the Past President of the Campfire Girls and was fundraising coordinator for their Firework Stand.  She was also very involved with many other organizations including:  the Republican Party from 1960 to 1994, Diabetes Association, M.D.A. Project Topeka, American Cancer Society, Hospital Emergency Room at Stormont Vail, and Women’s Bible Studies.

She crocheted hats and gloves for children and prayer shawls for Women of Israel for the Convention held in KCMO. 

Patricia enjoyed Bingo trips, crocheting blankets for all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, coin collecting and collecting Republican memorabilia.

Patricia is survived by her two sons, William and his wife Kellie Jo of Topeka, Kelly and his wife Kim of Colorado and a daughter, Sarah and her fiancé Doug of Oklahoma, her grandchildren, Jimmy, James, Sarah, Wesley, Megan, Emma and Noah, and great grandchildren, Halea, Kaden, McKenzie, Dakota and Sarah.                   

She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Lee, her parents and in-laws and a grandson Zechariah Michael Clark.

Patricia will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Saturday October 16, 2010 at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m.  Funeral service will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 17, 2010 at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Road.  Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 18, 2010 at Forest Hill and Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost, Kansas City, MO.

 In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Wanamaker Woods Teen Missions and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas  66603.  Online condolences to www.brennanmathenafh.com.