Obituary of Rheta Clark

CLARK (Wilcox), Rheta Mae 1917 - 2014 Rheta was born May 15, 1917 in Chatham Township to George Wilcox (1957) and Ethel (Shaw) (1968). She was raised nearby with siblings, Grant (1981), Leato, Vida (1987), Murray, June, Grace and Raymond (1990). Rheta earned her school teaching degree in London followed by a position in Hunta Ontario, a few hundred miles south of James Bay. She arrived by train, followed by a 4 mile walk to the school through the bush, where many of her students arrived by dog sled. Two years later she returned to Kent County where she taught for twenty years in Chatham and surrounding townships. Rheta married Ross Clark (1997) in December 1947. They had two children Jim (1973) and Gary (Joanne) and lived on a “Centennial” farm at McKay’s Corners, which had been in the Clark family since 1843. As well as teaching, Rheta helped Ross on the farm and did a lot of cooking, especially at thrashing time. Some of her specialties being elderberry pie and Christmas cake which was baked in October, brushed with rum and cured till December. Rheta and Ross retired from teaching and farming and moved to Ridgetown in 1967 where they purchased and operated Pulleyblank’s Flowers for 12 years. They enjoyed a full life of family, friends, travelling and golfing which Rheta played until she was 85. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered for the many lives she touched during her years of teaching and floral design. Thanks to those for phone calls, visits, flowers, cards and candy sent over the last few years. At Rheta's request cremation & burial, has already taken place and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers kindly volunteer a few hours of time to your local community.