Myrna Lene Clarke, devoted wife for nearly 70 years, mother of three, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of five passed peacefully on January 4, 2025, at the age of 89.
Myrna was born in Salyersville, Kentucky, in 1935 to Jim and Lottie Crace. She grew up playing with cousins and family in the hills and valleys of Kentucky.
She met Charles Edward Clarke, the love of her life, when she was 15 at the local church. After meeting, they only had eyes for each other. They especially loved to drive around in Charles’ 1950 black Ford convertible. They married at First Baptist Church in Salyersville on July 2, 1955.
They started their lives in Dayton, Ohio, where they welcomed their first child, Violet Rochelle. After moving to the Cincinnati area, they welcomed sons Dwayne Edward and Douglas Alan. The entire family enjoyed a happy suburban life.
As the years passed, Myrna became Grandma Myrna to seven grandchildren. She was particularly close to Doug’s children, who lived nearby, serving as their babysitter during their younger years. She was very proud of all of her grandchildren.
Myrna will always be remembered as a meticulous homemaker dedicated to taking care of her beloved Charles and her family. The wonderful fudge she made was always requested by her children and grandchildren. In their later years, Myrna and Charles loved traveling, especially to Florida where she loved to walk on the beach.
She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Clarke; three children, Violet Goodheart (Ken), Dwayne (Lisa) and Doug (Jami); seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren: as well as her sister, Barbara. She was preceded in death by her brothers James and Jack as well as her sisters Janet and Ella Jean.
