Phyllis Clark

Phyllis M. Clark - 12/09/2001 Phyllis M. Clark - 12/09/2001 PHYLLIS M. CLARK IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Mary Phyllis Mendenhall Clark returned to her Heavenly Home, Saturday, December 8, 2001. She died of natural causes subsequent to her age and a recent fall. She was at peace in her own home with family the last few days previous to her death after spending several weeks at EIRMC hospital. She fought a courageous battle with rheumatoid arthritis the last 15 years of her life. Phyllis was born in her maternal grandparents' home to Leo Smart Mendenhall and Agnes Hermany Turner Mendenhall, December 1, 1915, at the Turner home in Lago, Idaho. Her grandmother, Mary Ann Turner, was midwife at the birth. She was the 4th child in a family of five girls and five boys. She attended school at Gooding for several years because of limited eyesight, where she learned her lifelong hobbies of playing the piano, guitar, singing, and sewing. She was also trained as a secretary and was employed in this occupation while at school in Gooding and after returning home. She graduated from Grace Rural High School with honors in the spring of 1935, where she also received awards for her writing and poetry. After graduation she moved with her parents to Idaho Falls, where she met and fell in love with Denzle James Clark. They eloped and were married February 17, 1936 in Blackfoot. Their marriage was solemnized January 2, 1957, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. Den was her earthly companion until his death in 1988. Phyllis married Sherid Lindsey in 1990 and he passed away in 1995. She continued to live in her own home until her death. Throughout her entire life Phyllis was active in her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, which included 10½ years as Primary President. She also served as an MIA stake leader, primary teacher, and was active in Relief Society. She was faithful in attending the temple whenever possible. Her legacy of faith, humility, perseverance, and love will be a lasting example to her posterity. Music was an important part of her life and brought joy to family and friends. She shared her talents of piano playing by ear and of singing at the Senior Citizens Center and various nursing homes. Among her many talents and hobbies, her singing, guitar, and accordion playing often sounded throughout the forest when she and her husband served as Forest Service campground hosts together for many years. Phyllis is survived by four children, Gary [Lisa] Clark of Ogden, UT; Sharon [Larry] Butikofer of Pocatello; Garth Clark of Nipomo, CA, and Phyllis Kay [John] Butikofer of Idaho Falls; three sisters, Thelma Bauer, Ruby Terry, and Vivian Eads, all of Salt Lake City, two brothers, Warren Mendenhall of El Paso, TX and Rex Mendenhall of El Cajon, CA; 18 Grandchildren and 34 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Denzle Clark, three brothers and one sister, and her youngest daughter, Daralee Dawn Briscoe. Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 12, 2001, at the Idaho Falls LDS 10th Ward, 1200 Dunbar, with Bishop Dan Stout officiating. The family will receive friends on Tuesday beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402-4092. Phone: (208) 522-2751 FAX: (208) 522-5413 [ Previous Obituary - Tauna L. Stadtman | Current Obituary | Next Obituary - Harold D. Cotner, Sr. ]