Bertha M. Clarke, 102, of Centralia, formerly of Laddonia, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at Heritage Hall Nursing Center in Centralia.
Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30, at Arnold Funeral Home with Kevin Wilkerson officiating. Private burial will be in Laddonia Cemetery.
Visitation is Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Bertha was born on April 28, 1921, in Farber, the daughter of Albert and Marie (Kendall) Shotwell. On March 28, 1942, she married George Clarke. He passed away in 2004.
Mrs. Clarke was a graduate of Laddonia High School. She was a homemaker and also was a “Rosie the Riveter” in Seattle for Boeing during World War II.
Bertha loved to read and enjoyed being around her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include four children, Cheryl (Robert) Schlemmer of Laddonia, Evelyn (Jack) Ellis of Liberal, Kansas, George Clarke of Mexico, and Paula (Darren) Belcher of Mexico; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Diblasi of Phoenix, Az.
In addition to her husband, George, Bertha was preceded in death by one brother, Hoyt Shotwell; and two sisters, Arline Miller and Mary Johnson.
Memorial donations may be made to the Laddonia Cemetery or the Mexico Audrain County Library.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
