That famous laugh has moved heavenward. As many have often said, “You may not have heard of Jane Clark, but you probably have heard Jane Clark.” Jane’s contagious (and loud) laugh brought many a smile to peoples’ faces. Jane passed away on July 9, 2022, after a brief stay at Wesley Manor in Frankfort, Indiana. She will be dearly missed by her family.
Whether she was tutoring students in chemistry or physics, coaching kids with their 4-H demonstrations, creating incredible Halloween costumes for her children and grandchildren, working on Origami and flower-arranging projects, or reading pop-up books to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Jane always shared her energy, joy and laughter with those around her.
Jane Parmeley Gorham was born on October 10, 1936, in Goshen, Indiana, to Dow M. and Mary (Yoder) Gorham. She graduated as Valedictorian from Goshen High School in 1954. After high school, she attended Bradford Junior College in Haverhill, Massachusetts, for one year, and then went on to earn a degree in Chemistry at Purdue University. Jane received her teaching license at Colorado College in Colorado Springs. While at Purdue, she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. It was at Purdue where she met the man with whom she would share 63 years of marriage: Russell J. “Pete” Clark.
After college, Jane and Pete lived in Alameda, California, while Pete was in the Navy and Jane worked as a chemist in a local laboratory. They then moved back to the family farm in rural Frankfort, with Jane taking on the new role of farm wife. There were some humorous and challenging times after the move to the farm for a city-kid scientist. But Jane began working on her beautiful flower gardens and settled into their farmhouse and farm life.
Jane was active in many organizations over the years – the Daughters of the American Revolution, Antioch Church Choir and decorating for church functions, Kappa Kappa Kappa service sorority, Red Barn Theatre Board of Directors and 4-H, where she served as a leader.
The family wishes to thank the following people who helped Jane in these last few years of her life: Joanne Seip, Jill Grimes, Brittany Boyett from Visiting Angels and the staff at Wesley Manor G-Wing.
Visitation and Services
A Private Graveside Service will be held for the family. A Celebration of Life event (with plenty of laughter) will be announced at a later date. Contributions in Jane’s memory are preferred to the Antioch Church Building Fund, 4625 South State Road 39, Frankfort, IN 46041.
Survived by:
Along with her husband, Jane is survived by her daughter, Catherine Coston, of Elwood, Indiana, and son, Dave Clark (Robin), of rural Frankfort, as well as her grandchildren – Caitlin Coston of Lowell, Massachusetts; Justin Coston (Melissa) of Noblesville, Indiana; Tara Coston of Grand Lake, Colorado; Georgia Clark of Denver, Colorado; Darby Clark of Columbus, Ohio; and Stuart Clark of Charlotte, North Carolina. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren – Rowan, Coraline, Quenton and Aella Jane Coston of Noblesville; brother-in-law, Tom Clark (Sharon); several nieces and nephews; and multiple cousins.
Preceded by:
her parents, brother Dr. Charles E. Gorham, and sister Mrs. Patricia Gorham Peaslee.
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Jane. Her laugh will be missed by family, friends and theatres around the area.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI’m so sorry for your loss. I stayed up many nights during our parents card club night just to listen to Jane laugh. Fond memories!!!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDear Cathy and David and families, I just want to let you know how much your Mom meant to me. When she would take me home after a fun night of babysitting, we would sit in the car and talk. Your Mom was an influence on my life. She brought a different background and new perspective to my sheltered, farm girl life! I’m so glad you were my neighbors and I got to spend time with both your parents.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry for the loss of Jane. She would always brighten my day every time I heard that wonderful laugh. What a wonderful gift of bringing joy.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSo sorry for the loss of your wife. I know you will miss her dearly! Hang in there.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleClinton Co. has lost a treasure. Our sympathy to the Clark family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI’m so sorry for your loss. Jane was endearing and when you met and laughed with her and felt you’ve been friends for years. The world is a little less bright without her in it.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleThe lights of theatres dim in honor of her. Having performed on Civic Stage and Red Barn it was always comforting to hear her laughter come from the audience. Take a bow dear patron of the arts!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWho did not love this beautiful woman with her quick wit and wonderful laugh…. Jane will certainly be missed, but, never forgotten. Prayers for those she loved so dearly.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI’m very sorry to learn of Jane’s passing. When I saw her photo and the remark about her laugh, a pleasant memory returned. Jane, Catherine and several other Thetas were part of a promotional photo shoot to celebrate Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation’s 50th anniversary in 2010. It was so much fun and we felt so special to be chosen. She leaves quite a legacy for her family and her Theta sisters. Fondly, and with Theta love,
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Facebook Twitter GoogleJane was such a special lady! I have such fond memories of her!! So many that it’s hard to pick just one! She helped our 4-H Club with Share the Fun! She was a blast!! I remember her and my Dad pulling tricks on each other during choir at church!! She will forever be remembered I’m sure, to whoever crossed her path!! Prayers to you Pete, Cathy and David! Heaven gained a good one!!
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Facebook Twitter GooglePrayers of peace and comfort are being lifted for your family.
Gary & Brenda Spray
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI am so sorry to hear of her passing. As a member of the Clinton County Civic Theatre I greatly appreciated hearing her contagious laughter whether I was onstage, backstage, or in the audience. We loved knowing we had Jane in the audience. May treasured memories help you during this time.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI have good memories of Jane when her son, Dave, was playing basketball in high school. She was always so pleasant and friendly. Before the days of cell phones, when teachers had to come to the office at Clinton Prairie to use a phone, I remember the sponsor of the school play calling Jane and offering her a free ticket if she would come to that year’s play. Why did Jane get a free ticket? Because the play was funny, and the student actors wanted to make sure Jane was in the audience to lead the crowd in laughter!! I can no longer remember the name of the play, but I do remember Jane’s laughter during the performances! May you rest in peace, Jane Clark!
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe are so sorry for your loss. Jane was a bright light and she will be missed.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleShe was a very special lady. She always wanted to get flowers from my yard when I lived in Antioch for the church flower arrangements. I gave her a hard time but I really didn’t mind. I truly loved this Christian sister and will recognize her laugh when I reach heaven!!!
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Facebook Twitter GooglePete, our sympathies are with you, and your family. I do not recall ever meeting Jane, but just got to know her through this Memorial. She was clearly a tremendous woman, and lived in the Grace of God. I believe you and I chatted once, Pete, as seniors. It was my pleasure. Again, our sympathies are with you, Sheila (2nd cousin) and Kent Young
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