Ruth Sturgeon Clark's Obituary
Ruth Clark of San Mateo entered into eternal rest on April 15th, 2014, in Burlingame. She was born on June 7, 1919, in Modoc, Kansas, to Robert and Minnie Sturgeon. The fourth of six girls, her sisters were Alta, Elsie, Ella May, Roberta, and Esther. On January 24th, 1945, she married E. Neal Clark in Reno, Nevada. She graduated from both the College of San Mateo and San Jose State with Honors. She had over 75 post-bachelor units of continuous study. She was an elementary school teacher for 35 years, and a resident of San Mateo County for over 70 years. She loved reading, music, the arts, cooking, swimming, and spending time with family. She’s was member of the First Presbyterian Church in San Mateo for over 50 years. She was gentle, kind, gracious, and had a tremendous sense of humor. She was a loving and devoted wife, parent, and grandparent.She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Von Bank of Richmond, VA, and son Richard (Mae) Clark of the Bay Area. She is also survived by her 5 grandsons: Michael (KatiAnn) Von Bank of Richmond, VA, Nicholas (Jessica) Von Bank of Richmond, VA, Patrick (Emily) Von Bank of Baltimore, MD, William Von Bank of Indianapolis, IN, and Jason Clark of the Bay Area. She is also survived by six great grandchildren (Zoe, David, Samuel, Lydia, Sarah, and Ian Von Bank) and several nieces and nephews throughout the country. She was predeceased by her parents and all of her sisters. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her husband in 1989.The services and internment will be held at Skylawn in San Mateo on April 17th, 2014, beginning at 12:00 PM with Pastor Richard Bowman presiding. The Pall bearers will be Michael Von Bank, Nicholas Von Bank, Patrick Von Bank, Michael La Porte, James La Porte, and Terry La Porte. Donations to Easter Seals are suggested. Words fail to fully capture Ruth Clark’s 94 years of life. All who knew her will benefit from her legacy of love, devotion to family, and strong faith.
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