Mary Le Ann Nelson Clark

Mary Le Ann Nelson Clark was born July 31, 1935, on her family’s Meadow-Run Farm near Rolfe, Iowa, to LeRoy John Nelson and Mary Elizabeth (McEwen) Nelson. She went home to the Lord on March 29, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina, where she had moved in 2023 to be closer to family.

Mary Le spent a joyful childhood surrounded by family in the close-knit farming community of Rolfe. A true farm girl, she always had a pony or horse to ride and pets to care for. As a teen, she was an active member of 4-H. After graduating from Rolfe High School, she attended Iowa State University, where she studied Home Economics and Child Development.

In 1958, shortly after graduating, Mary Le married Lieutenant Thomas S. Clark, Jr., USAF. Together, they shared a loving 54-year marriage and embraced the adventures of military life, living in Hawaii and various states across the mainland. While stationed in Willingboro, New Jersey, Mary Le taught nursery school for eight years and later served as a substitute teacher in many communities where her family was stationed.

She especially treasured summers spent in Iowa at the family cottage on Lake Okoboji and visits home to Rolfe. She was a faithful member of the O’Fallon First United Methodist Church, P.E.O. International, Order of the Eastern Star, and the O’Fallon Women’s Club in O’Fallon, Illinois.

She is survived by her three children, Wendy C. (Douglas) Gibson of Los Altos, California, Colonel Thomas S. (Amelia) Clark III, USMC (Retired), of Charleston, South Carolina, Christopher N. (Kara) Clark of Glenview, Illinois; six grandchildren, Caroline C. (Major Bradley, USAFR) Elliott, Douglas J. Gibson Jr., Thomas S. Clark IV, Robert C. C. Gibson, Tegan S. Clark, and Ailla S. Clark; and four great-grandchildren, Amelia Ann, Henry, Madelyn, and Elyse Mae Elliott. Mary Le is also survived by her younger brother, McEwen Nelson of Rolfe, Iowa; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Colonel Thomas S. Clark, Jr., USAF (Retired), who passed in 2012; her younger sister, Jeanie Stowell; and her parents, LeRoy and Mary Nelson.

Mary Le’s final resting place will be in her cherished hometown of Rolfe, Iowa, with her gravesite overlooking the family farm where she grew up.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held July 31, 2025, at the Clinton-Garfield Cemetery, Rolfe, Pocahontas County, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the lone Hynds Clark Scholarship Fund at Cottey College or PEO STAR Scholarships at P.E.O. International.

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