Jocelyn 'Joyce' Dawn Clarke

Jocelyn (Joyce) Dawn Clarke, daughter of Herbert J. and Fern (Hinch) Walstead, was born on May 28, 1919 in Albert City, IA. On January 4, 2010, following a brief illness, Joyce went to be with the Lord. Joyce was raised on a farm in Buena Vista County along with 2 brothers and 2 sisters. She attended school at Lincoln Lea, Highview Consolidated, Linn Grove, and graduated from Cornell High School in 1937 as Salutatorian. The family moved to Spencer at that time, and Joyce met Herbert E. Clarke while attending church and youth meetings at 1st Christian Church. Joyce married Herbert in 1940. They had a rich life centered around God, family and friends. Herbert preceded her in death in 1995, after 56 years of marriage. Together they raised 3 children, Roger Dean (Sharon) of Spencer, IA, Barbara Jean (Norm) Hanson, of Danville, IL, and Marcia Elaine Clarke, of Spencer, IA. They all survive as do 7 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Roger's children, daughter Karla (Todd) Blum with Amanda, Emily, Rachel and Nicholas of Harlan, IA, daughter Kerri Pierce with Jacob, Clay, and Olivia of St. Ansgar, IA, and son Kevin Clarke and Kayla Carrillo with Kennedy, Brooke and Adrian of Spencer, IA. Barb's children, daughter Stacie (Steve) Vogelsang with Taylor, Lauren, and Marissa of Mahomet, IL, son Chris (Christy) Hanson with Mariah, Hope. Katelyn, and Esther, of Danville, IL, son Matt (Shannon) Hanson with Chloe, Kaysa and Ella, of St Joseph, IL, and daughter Susan (Blake) Harvey with Cohen, of Champaign, IL. Joyce's family moved to California in 1943. She is survived by her sister Muriel, of California, and brother Duane (Billie Ann) Walstead, of Arizona. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marian and brother Jack. She is also survived by sister-in-laws Marie Clarke of Spencer, IA, and Marian Clarke of St. Paul, MN, and other family and friends. Joyce's life was full, busy and rewarding. She was Herbert's full-time help-mate on the farm, running to town for parts, fixing lunches, and canning vegetables from a huge garden in the early part of her married life. Joyce was very active with her children in 4-H as a leader and committee woman. She was active in the First Christian Church teaching for many years in the primary department of the Sunday school, active in choir and women's work, and as a deacon and an elder. After the family was grown, Joyce worked at Nieman Fabrics and later was a secretary at Johnson Elementary School for 11 years. Joyce always loved to travel and made many trips to California and Arizona in particular. She also loved quilts and made one for each of her children and grandchildren! In later years she enjoyed collecting dolls and enjoyed giving presentations on them to community groups. Gardening with a love for roses was always part of her life. But overall, Joyce and Herbert's lives were very involved with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. And as their family grew, they looked forward to traveling to see them, to family reunions and to holiday get-togethers even more.

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