Betty Ruth Clarke, 68, of Nason died at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2004, at her home.

She was born to Clyde Fickle and Vivian (Cochran) Fickle of Ina on Nov. 15, 1935.

She married Don Clarke on Aug. 22, 1951 in Santa Maria, Cal.; he survives in Nason.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Nason Freewill Baptist Church with burial to follow in Abner Cemetery in Nason. Rev. Jesse Allen will officiate. Visitation will be at 11 a.m. until the funeral hour on Monday at the church. Burial will be at Abner Cemetery, Nason.

Besides her husband, Mrs. Clarke is survived by two sons, Ed Clarke and wife, Sherry, Waltonville, Max Clarke and wife, Stephanie, Mt. Vernon; two daughters, Marilyn Clarke Murphy, Marion, Sue Ella Clarke Owens, Nason; one sister, Mary Leah Dennis and husband, Jim, Nason; nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, one son, Don Michael Clarke, and one brother, James M. "Buddy" Fickle preceded her in death.

Mrs. Clarke was a homemaker and a member of Nason Freewill Baptist Church.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to Nason Freewill Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home. P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon 62864. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Hughey Funeral Home, where you may call 618-242-3348 for obituary information at any time.

Source: Register-News, Mt Vernon, IL
Date: Sat/Sun 17-18 Jan 2004
Submitted by: Robert W. Loman