Carlene R. Clark

Carlene R. Clark passed from this life on January 17, 2023 at the age of 98. She was born in Ross County, Ohio on June 9, 1924 to Nolan and Mae (Roll) Ross. Carlene grew up on the family farm, graduated from Centralia High School and Ohio University where she earned a degree in Education.

It was at Ohio University where she met Les Clark, a city boy from Chicago, IL. They were married in Athens, OH on June 12, 1947 and enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his passing in 2010. Carlene taught school for one year in Lancaster, OH. They moved to Akron in 1948 and she taught a couple of years with the Akron Public Schools until her daughters, Joan and Margaret, were born. Eventually, she went back to teaching at Roosevelt Elementary with the Springfield School system and stayed there until her retirement in 1980. 

Carlene and Les settled in the Ellet area when they came to Akron. They joined North Springfield Presbyterian Church. Carlene was active in the church for 75 years serving as elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher and superintendent, led Bible studies, was president of Presbyterian Women, leader of the youth group, played in the bell choir and filled in as piano accompanist on occasion. She faithfully attended services every Sunday.  

The family is very grateful for the loving care Carlene received at Shepherd’s Gate Assisted Living in Hartville, OH. She moved there in August, 2022. 

Carlene was preceded in death by her husband, Les, and her parents. She is survived by daughters, Joan (Denny) Werstler and Margaret (Steve) Dale, her sister and brother-in-law, JoAnne and Roger Chapin and nephews, Ross Chapin and Scott Chapin and their families. Private graveside services and burial will be held at White Church Cemetery in Kingston, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 10th at 12 p.m. at North Springfield Presbyterian Church, 671 Canton Road, Akron, OH 44312 with Reverend Patricia Moats officiating. Friends may call upon the family from 11:30 a.m. until the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the church.