Obituary of Kathryn P. Clark

Kathryn Prendergast Clark, 83, of Newton, died Wednesday evening, February 22, 2012, at Skiff Hospice Monarch Wing. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2012, with memorial services following at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton. Kathryn, the daughter of William and Bessie (McGowan) Prendergast, was born March 12, 1928, in Fonda, Iowa. She was a graduate of Newton Senior High, Class of 1947. In 1945 she became a NHS Homecoming Pioneer when she successfully spearheaded the campaign to reestablish homecoming in Newton while serving as the editor of the Newtonia News. On October 15, 1947, Kathryn was united in marriage with George J. Clark in Newton. A longtime resident of the Newton area, she was a natural-born entrepreneur. She began working at Stockton's Grocery Store in Junior High School and was inspired by the fine example set by Mr. Frank Stockton as an exemplary business owner. She and George owned and managed their rental properties for many years. At a time in her life when many would be considering retirement, Kathryn opened what was to become a favorite local business in Newton-The Shirt Shoppe that she successfully operated for over twenty years. She devoted her life to her family and friends. Those who knew her likely had the pleasure of experiencing her warm-heartedness, thoughtfulness, and generosity, not to mention her quirky spirit. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton and her faith was a very important part of her life. Kathryn will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Kathryn was preceded in death by three infant daughters, her parents, and her husband George in 1999. Those left to honor Kathryn's memory include her son T. Michael (Ruby) Clark of Newton and Rockport, Texas, daughters, Cassandra Lee Mary McGinley of Newton, and Barbara (Mark) Oswalt of West Des Moines, ten grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, her sister Helen Hart, her brothers Paul (Sandy) Prendergast, and David (Lillian) Prendergast, her nieces and nephews, and her many friends.