“Together Again”
Rita Y. Clarke, 100, of Apple Creek passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Danbury of Wooster.
She was born on February 28, 1925, in Berlin, Germany to Henry and Lydia Rossland Perry. On June 12, 1948, she married William M. Clarke. He preceded her in death on March 24, 2010.
Rita was a homemaker. She received a bachelor’s degree from University of Pittsburgh in Psychology. Rita was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Philomathean Club of Apple Creek since 1955, YMCA since 1944, Apple Creek Civic Improvement Group, and helped with the Johnny Appleseed Festival for many, many years. She was awarded the Apple Creek PTO Citizen of the Year. Rita loved swimming, reading, and her family.
She is survived by her children Diana Clarke of Wadsworth, Bill (Donna) Clarke of Conway, SC, Dennis Clarke of Millersburg, Gary (Carolyn) Clarke of Wooster, Yvonne (Bill) Kjerrumgaard of Columbus, Cheryl Dye of Wooster, Karen (Tony) Pendolino of Wooster, Annette (Stan) White of Arlington, Daniel (Katerina) Clarke of California; Twenty-Four grandchildren; Fifty great grandchildren; Six great great grandchildren; daughter in law Penny Clarke of Granite Quarry, NC.
In addition to her husband William, Rita was preceded in death by her parents; son Bob Clarke; son in law Jim Dye; three grandchildren; brothers Claus and Eric Perry.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church 527 Beall Ave., Wooster with Father Stephen Moran officiating. Interment is to follow at Apple Creek Cemetery.
Friends will be received one hour prior to the service at the church.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Rita lived a long full life. She enjoyed travel, reading and her tea in the afternoon. She was dedicated to her family. 100 years in good health is a blessing. Now she can be with Bill and all the family she’s missed for a long time. Till we meet again mother-in-law rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of the death of your mother Bill.. and siblings. I admired Mrs. Clarke and how she raised you all plus was active in the community! I bet she had many interesting experiences growing up in Berlin, Germany. I should have taken the time to learn more about her previous life but I only thought of her as a mother when I was younger. Take care dear Clarke family!
I remember meeting your mother and grandmother when I taught Cheryl and Jim’s children. How kind she kind she was!
The few times we were able to spend time with Rita will remain some of the most special. She had a beautiful insight into life with her long life experiences! I am blessed to call her family and extension of ours through marriage.
We were blessed to have Rita as a neighbor for 16 yrs. My mom and Rita were neighbors 38 yrs I believe. Our hearts are so happy they passed on the same day and will still be neighbors!! You all have been wonderful children and a blessing to your mom. She will be missed by many. A beautiful lady inside and out. May all the memories you hold dear bring you comfort and happiness. Wanda Thomas’ daughter Julie Huffman
The wonderful photo of Rita and Bill brought back great memories. In the late 1970s and early 1980s when we lived in Apple Creek, my husband Roger and I often went to the downtown Apple Creek retaurant on Saturday morning for breakfast. Bill was often there, holding court with his many friends. Occasionally Rita came over from their nearby house to join in the conversation. Bill, a long-time friend of Roger’s, always had an interesting story to tell about his family, the community or one of his many interests.
Our community was fortunate to have Rita, Bill and their talented family in our midst.
Rita was a blessing to care for at Danbury…I always loved to stop by and just say hi..she was always so cheerful…
I just wanted to pray for Bill and his family at this time. He spoke very often about his mother and how strong she was what a will she had. He also mentioned that she lived to be 100 years old and had a wonderful full life. I am a friend of Bill Clark’s from his faith sharing class and also we do Bible study together at church. Praying for the family at this time.