Elizabeth Ann CLARK

Elizabeth Ann Clark, also known as Betty Ann, passed away on September 9, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 79 after a long battle with dementia and cancer. Born on April 6, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland. She attended St. Ann Business School as a young lady and then married on September 20, 1964. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend. Betty Ann had a fun and silly personality with a wonderful laugh. She loved to eat, going out to dinner was her entertainment. She always enjoyed a few cups of steaming hot coffee, a hot fudge sundae with extra hot fudge and cake and donuts were her favorites. When she cooked for her family for many years, her mashed potatoes and spaghetti with meatballs were the absolute best. She loved to dance and make the most of every opportunity to have a good time. Even the praise music at church would make her get up, clap and sing. Despite her sensitivity, Betty Ann was tough and fought with strength until her very last day. She had a heart of gold and cherished her furry companion , Jingles, our boy Shih Tzu dog, who rarely left her side. He was like a child to her. She loved being around children wherever she went, dedicating two years of service to the Children's Ministry at her church prior to her falling ill. She often joked that she enjoyed doing things, but would then say, “I’m glad it’s over!” Well, now that her journey on this earth is over, we have comfort knowing that she is finally at peace, happy, smiling and surely dancing as she is reunited with her loved ones once again. She is healed and beautiful in the arms of Jesus! We will forever hold her in our hearts and will miss her immensely. She is survived by her devoted husband, David Michael Clark, her daughters, Sherrie Marie Clark and Cindy Ann Matthai nee Clark and son-in-law Randy Matthai. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, John Calvin Rankin, III (Cal), Kristin Marie Rankin and Allison Elizabeth Matthai. Her brother George H. Staines, Jr., sister-in-law Joyce Staines and nephews Matthew and Marcus Staines, along with her aunt Catherine Polkowski nee Lopreato and several cousins. She is preceded in death by her father, George Halbert Staines, Sr. in 1983 and her mother, Lena Elizabeth Staines nee Lopreato in 2009. A memorial service honoring her life will be held in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, in the spring of 2024 at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the times they shared with her. Please check back here in the future for further details. The family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Contributions made in Betty Ann's memory will support their important work in researching and assisting those affected by this devastating disease. Her legacy of love, laughter and resilience will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved her. May she find eternal joy in the embrace of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Elizabeth Ann CLARK

April 6, 1944 - September 9, 2023