Sarah Ruth "Sally" Clark

URBANA, IL- Sarah Ruth “Sally” Clark passed away peacefully, November 14, 2019 at the age of 94.

She was born June 17, 1925 to R.E. and Mattie (Dickson) Friend in Mt. Caramel, IL.  She was the youngest of 5 children and was named after 2 grandmothers.

She graduated from Mt. Caramel High School in 1943.  After graduation she relocated to St. Louis, MO and during WW II was employed by Western Union Telegraph Company. 

On October 1, 1944 she married James H. (Jim) Clark during his leave from U.S. Navy Active Duty South Pacific.  After discharge from the military service they lived a short time in Lawrenceville, IL then moved to Urbana, IL.  They raised 3 children, Janet Costa, Rebecca (Robert) Withers, and Russell “Butch” (Diana) Clark.

Sally enjoyed being entertained musically.  She sang with the CU Sweet Adeline’s for many years.  Her husband, Jim, sang with the Illini Statesman Barbershop Chorus.  They shared the hobby by attending each other’s performances.

She was employed at the National Council of Teachers of English for 45 years.  She also was a member of the First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Clark, who died unexpectedly November 6, 1998, her parents, one sister Hazel (Charles) Pell, 3 brothers, Robert (Laverne) Friend, Harold (Ann) Friend, Joseph (Jeanne) Friend.  Her son-in-law, Peter Costa and step-granddaughter Donna Retter.

Surviving are her 3 children.  Six grandchildren, Rebecca “Missy” Costa, Delta, CO, Laura (Mark) Gabriel, Marble, CO, Sean (Julie) Clark, Decatur, IL, Amanda (Nathan) York, Urbana, IL, Ryan Clark, Paxton, IL, Blake (Ashley) Withers, Homer, IL.  Eight great-grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren.

She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She had an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor.  She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them.

Funeral Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy, 1602 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, with Chuck Moore officiating  Tuesday, November 19 2019 at 10:00am 

Visitation will be at Renner-Wikoff Funeral Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana, IL,  Monday, November 18 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm.

Donations can be made to American Heart Association or First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sarah Ruth "Sally" Clark, please visit our floral store.