Laura Clark

Laura Lovene Clark, 81, fierce debater, compassionate, kind and generous mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died December 16, 2016. Born on April 11, 1935 in Centerville, Texas, Laura would likely remind you that you ought not "mess with Texas." The proud daughter of Richard and Janette Parker, who in humble times plowed extra fields for weeks and saved to make a "shiny new red bike" possible for Laura. She was surrounded in love as the baby sister to Jack, Docie, Lucille, Henry, and Lawrence and remained so all the days of their lives. Her parents relocated to Troy, Idaho seeking healthcare for her mother, who passed when Laura was in high school. Laura grieved her mother the rest of her life and would readily share stories about "Dickey" Parker and her mother Janette. A young Patrick Earl Clark spotted Laura walking down Main Street and called out from his Chevy asking for a date. As both were with friends she asked, as only Laura could, "who gets whom?" in which he replied, "you're with me" and that's how they remained for 45 years of devoted marriage. They shared those years raising their three children, Kathy, Patsy, and David, attending mass at St. Mary's Catholic Church, enjoying Sunday drives, and attending local events until Patrick's death in 2000. For her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she was "a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend." For Jacob, Jessica (Ryan), Sam (Katie), Taylor and Henry she was an ally, protector, and their biggest fan. Laura treasured her relationships with each of her grandchildren and especially enjoyed Taylor's company as she struggled with her health the last month. Her great-grandchildren Sloane and Bodhi brought her joyfulness and she took pleasure in the conversations between the "Great Gam-Gam" and her littlest fans. Laura will be missed beyond measure. Laura was infinitely loving and generous, she was powerful and intelligent, an unmatched work ethic and she might have said and while insisting on no interruptions "come on baby, let's do the twist." A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church on Friday, December 30, 2016, at 11:00 am. All are welcome to attend and join for a luncheon directly following the service. Her family asks in lieu of flowers to please donate to the Moscow Food Bank at St. Mary's Catholic Church or the Humane Society of the Palouse. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com