Shirley Ruth Clark

Shirley Ruth (Chappell) Clark, 70, of Tecumseh, passed away Monday, September 3, 2007 in Topeka.

She was born November 21, 1936 in Barton, MD, the daughter of the late James Edwin Chappell and Evelyn Eva Russell.  Shirley attended Catherman's Business School.

Prior to her marriage, Shirley was employed as a secretary for Kelly Springfield Tires in Cumberland, MD.  She worked briefly as a Para-Professional for the Shawnee Heights School District but her greatest contribution and most fulfilling effort was helping to raise nine grandchildren.  Shirley also enjoyed writing poetry.

She was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Shirley is survived by her husband of forty-eight years, Leon S. Clark whom she married on February 7, 1959 at St. Marys Church in Lonaconing, MD.  Other survivors include two sons:  Stephen and his wife Lisa of Tecumseh and Brian and his wife Janelle of McKinney, TX; two daughters, Janice of Overland Park and Teresa Hothan and her husband David of Tecumseh; two sisters, Bertie Bradley and her husband William and Betty Garey all of Barton, MD and two brothers, Charles of Barton, MD and James and his wife Marian in Mariposa, CA.  Grandchildren, Brett, Patrick and Alex Hothan; Ashley, Rebecaa, Lauren and Erica Clark; Bayley and Tanner Clark also survive.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.  Mrs. Clark will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family wil receive friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m.  A vigil prayer service will be held at 6:00 p.m.