Pauline Evelyn Clark 96, passed away on December 10, 2022, at Peabody Retirement Home, North Manchester.
She was born August 18, 1926, in Muskegon, MI, to Marion F. and Evelyn (Bliss) Salathe. Her parents were retail merchants, working in Kendallville and Nappanee, before purchasing a dime store in North Judson, IN. Polly worked in the store, attended the Methodist Church, and graduated from North Judson High where she especially enjoyed music.
Polly married her junior high sweetheart, Willard Lloyd Clark, on Feb. 3, 1946, and they moved to Kewanna where they co-owned Clarks 5 & 10 store until the mid-1950s. They were active in the community, formed new friendships, and began their family there.
From 1959-1966, Willard was Fulton County sheriff, and Polly was the jail matron. Her duties included cooking and serving meals for inmates and staff members, answering phone calls, responding to radio messages, and being present whenever a female person was brought in for questioning. The Clarks lived in the residence side of the jail facility with their three daughters.
After their years of service to Fulton County, the Clarks moved to Lake Manitou. Polly then worked in the fan division of Torin, with several of her good friends, until her retirement. She was very interested in workers’ rights and was active in union events.
Polly enjoyed listening to music, collecting carnival glass, and spending time with friends and family. Having been an only child, she also treasured family pets. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a past Grand Worthy Matron. She continued her membership in the Methodist denomination at Grace United in Rochester.
Polly was preceded in death by her husband, Willard, on August 27, 2019.
She is survived by their daughters: Cynthia K. (Michael, dec.) Croussore, Susan M. Clark, and Patricia Jean (Keith) Keim; a granddaughter, Natalie R. Keim; a grandson, Phillip Clark Keim; a nephew, Clark (Bonnie) Matthew; a niece, Susan Gwen (Larry) LaFavor; and several cousins from the Oscar and Jean Minkert family.
The family of Mrs. Polly Clark will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 EST on Thursday, December 15, 2022, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.
A private family celebration of life will take place followed by a graveside service on December 16, 2022 at noon CST/1:00 PM EST in the Highland Cemetery, North Judson.
Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 Wentzel Street, Rochester, IN 46975.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to Polly's family at www.goodfamilyfh.com
