Carol Ruth Clark, age 90, long time resident of Rapid River, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at Christian Park Village in Escanaba, Michigan.
Carol was born June 27, 1930, in Dayton, OH, the daughter of Bailey and Jessie Alice (Pratt) Wright. Carol completed high school and went on to Miami Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Dayton and became aRegistered Nurse. She married Donald Clark on August 24,1951, in the afternoon of the same day she graduatedfrom Nursing School. Don and Carol lived in Ohio until moving to the Upper Peninsula in 1969 where they made their home in Rapid River. Carol and Don were married and enjoyed their life adventure together for over 50 years. Carol was a nurse working with Doctor Maniaci in the Gladstone Clinic until her retirement.
In 1990, Carol was commissioned and ordained a transitional deacon at Trinity Episcopal Church in Gladstone where she also served as a member of the Ministry Support Team. In 1991 she was ordained an Episcopal Priest. She served the Episcopal Church in many capacities. As the President of The Diocesan Standing Committee, she provided wise council and leadership. Carol served the Episcopal Church Women at the local level, and the Diocesan level as Vice President and President. Province V was also influenced by Carol as she helped develop and present the inspirational program known as Women of Vision throughout the Episcopal Church nationwide. Carol’s faith in God guided her life. Those who knew her were drawn to her kind and gentle spirit. Carol was a prayerful and deeply spiritual person who influenced, mentored, and changed the lives of many. She loved reading, life, and had a mischievous, joyful exuberance that could erupt from within in the form of singing and/or dancing. Discerning, identifying and supporting the giftedness of others was one of her gifts. Carol was the Godmother to over 30 children and adults over the years. She touched the lives of those with whom her path crossed in a very significant way.
Carol is survived by a brother James Wright, Sister-in-law Linda Clark, nieces Stacy (Ray) Huang, Teresa (Dennis) Hunter, Robin Clark, nephew Donald Clark, many great nieces and nephews as well as great, great nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Carol’s dear friendsSuzanne and Rayford Ray, William and Shannon Seaton Tyler along with their children Wesley, Kyra, Kaylee and Jaeger, and Robert and Michelle Mueller Tyler, also Jonathan and Jessica Tyler along with their childrenJackson and Hadley. Carol’s sweet spirit will be missed by all.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Judy Wright, as well as her husband Donald Clark, and an infant son, Richard Clark.
Carol will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 7th, 2020at 2 pm at the Rapid River Cemetery. The Rt. Rev. Rayford Ray and The Rev. Suzanne Ray to officiate.
Kathy Grill - Escanaba, MI
To the Family and Friends of Carol,
I am so sorry for the sadness in your hearts. I certainly loved my visits and helping her out at the nursing home. She loved to join in singing and especially enjoyed singing ‘You Are My Sunshine.’ She was a very pleasant lady and certainly expressed her appreciation for all the things that were done for her. Hold on to all the wonderful memories that you have of her and know that one day you can enjoy them with her. Until then, her love remains with you here on this earth. With Caring Thoughts and Prayers, Kathy Grill -CPV
Kathy & Paul Dollhopf - Gladstone, MI
Carol certainly made us feel welcome at Trinity Church. She always took the time to say hi with a twinkle in her eyes in Gladstone and at North Woods with her dog. What a great role model.
John Pickard - Gladstone, MI
What an Awesome Lady! So Proud to say I Knew Don and Carol as my friends, As a Member of Trinity Church I remember when Carol joined our Congregation. She was such a Joy and inspiration to be around! My earliest memories are of visits to Dr. Dehlins office and seeing Carol as a Caring and Loving Nurse! So sad to hear of her Passing! Rest in Peace in the Arms of Jesus.
Mary Malnor - Rapid River, MI
I had the pleasure of cookingbfor carol for a few years and loved our visits. rip my friend
Thelma Clarage - Green Bay, WI
Carol is one of the most loving and giving people God has ever blessed me to know, and especially to have been able to call a friend and mentor. As a cradle member of Trinity Episcopal, Carol was a part of my life from the beginning. She worked in the office where my mom received prenatal care, was a proxy for one of my god-parents at my baptism, was a constant presence and encourager in my growing and teenage years, and became a coveted friend beginning in my early adulthood.
Carol Clark, I, as well as many others, will greatly miss you, your faithful example, your loving presence, and especially knowing that when in your presence the face of God was truly seen, felt, and reflected. Much love was received and given to this wonderful woman of God. Enjoy the Kingdom Come!!!!