Sources |
- [S84] E-Mail, Laurie Collins [ljc@morcant.com], 15 Nov 2006.
- [S1] U. S. Social Security Death Index, 534-26-7709.
Issued in Washington, last residing in Yakima, Yakima County, Washington
- [S142] Newspaper Article, Yakima Herald Republic (WA), 10 May 2003.
Valley Hills Funeral Home, Yakima
YAKIMA - Iola Florence Clark (Macomber), age 75, passed away Wednesday morning, May 7, 2003 at Garden Village in Yakima, Washington.
Iola was born November 9, 1927 in Wheatland, Wyoming to Hiram and Minnie Macomber. She was raised in Greenley, Colorado where she spent most of her adolescence, before moving to Granger, Washington as a teenager. It was there, that she would met her future husband, James Donald Clark. After James returned from serving in the Navy during World War II, he and Iola were married at Lake Tahoe, California in 1950. They returned to the Yakima Valley, and then moved to Aberdeen, Washington, where James worked at a plywood mill, and Iola tended house. Iola and James had three children together. Deborah, Danny and Gary Clark, all of Yakima. In 1962, James and Iola returned to Yakima with their three children, to be closer to their family. Iola was employed at Del Monte cannery for several years. They would remain Yakima residents for the rest of their lives. In 1996, after 46 years of marriage, Iola lost James to a battle with cancer.
Later in life, Iola and James raised their first grandson, Daniel Clark. They loved and treated him like their own son, and provided him the same loving home environment that they had provided their own children. Iola insisted that Daniel be the first in the family to graduate from college, and instilled in him the importance of education.
Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and other health problems slowed Iola's activities in her final years. Yet, her own health problems did not prevent her from providing a loving home, and taking care of her son Danny. Iola and Danny shared a very special relationship, and lived together for over 50 years, until very shortly before her death, when she required hospitalization.
Iola had a extreme love for dolls and stuffed animals. For several years, she collected many different dolls, figurines and collectables. Visitors to her house would marvel at the hundreds of dolls that she had on display there. She also enjoyed repairing damaged dolls, and reupholstering furniture in her spare time.
Iola also enjoyed working outside in her yard. She especially liked tending to her garden and flowers. During the summer, her yard could be counted on to be immaculate. Roses were her passion. Iola also was fond of Country and Gospel music. She also enjoyed watching western television programs. She especially enjoyed "The Waltons," "Little House on the Prairie" and "Big Valley."
Iola's love touched many people throughout her lifetime. She was like a mother to many people. She helped to raise and nurture her nieces and nephews and take care of her younger sisters and brothers. She was always someone that could be depended upon to provide love and assistance to her family when they were in need. Although she was house-bound for the past few years, Iola still managed to find ways to help and inspire others. She could always be depended upon to provide advice, comfort, or support when it was needed. Her smile could light up a room. Iola spent most of her life helping others. Iola was a very sharing, caring person, who never asked for anything in return. She gave more than she received during her lifetime, yet never once complained about it. She will be truly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Iola is survived by her daughter, Deborah Paullin, her two sons, Danny and Gary Clark, her grandson whom she raised, Daniel Clark, all of Yakima. She is also survived by her brothers, Verlin Macomber of Toppenish and Lloyd Macomber of Yakima, and her sisters, Mildred Walter of Naches and Mable Jeffrey of Selah, her special friend, Shawna Butler of Yakima and numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Iola was preceded in death by her husband, James Donald Clark, her brother, Leonard Macomber, and her parents, Hiram and Minnie Macomber.
Graveside Services will be conducted at West Hills Memorial Park on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. Viewing will be all day Monday, May 12, and Tuesday morning May 13, at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Terrace Heights.
|