Doris J. Clarke

Doris J. Clarke, 82, died May 16, 2006 at St. Ann’s in Seattle. She lived and taught music in Oak Harbor from 1957 to 1996.

She was born April 23, 1924 in Fedora, S.D., and was married to Doug Clarke on Oct. 26, 1946 in Pipestone, Minn. He died in 1971.

She leaves a son, Zip Clarke in Seattle; daughters Jill Ryan of Louisville, Tenn., and Melodi Butler of LaQuinta, Calif.; five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Mrs. Clarke taught music for over 40 years, beginning with high school band and choir in South Dakota from 1944 to 1957. After moving from Carthage, S.D. to Washington in June 1957, she was the music teacher for all Oak Harbor elementary schools from 1957 to her retirement in 1986.

In her “spare” time she enjoyed baking, crafts, sewing and being the pianist and organist at Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church from 1957 to 1996.

Mrs. Clarke brought the joy of music to thousands during her long career. She was loved and will be missed by her family, friends and former students. She and her beloved “Luvvydog” are now resting forever in Oak Harbor.

Funeral services were held June 14 at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor.