Ophelia Ann Stillman Clarke was born November 12, 1851, at Alfred, N. Y., and died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. G. Elder, Seattle, Wash., March 2, 1933.
She was the daughter of Samuel N. and Chloe Sherman Stillman. She received her education in the Alfred public schools and Alfred Academy, but due to a severe illness never was graduated. She was married to Chester S. Clarke. To them were born five sons and one daughter. Three of these sons have gone to the life beyond - Percy L., Ford S., and Walton B. The two surviving are Lewis B., of Allegany, N. Y., and Clarence L., of Chicago, Ill.
At an early age she was baptized and united with the First Alfred Church. Later she transferred her membership to Nile, N. Y. In 1900, the family moved to a farm near Alfred. Here, and later in the village, she made her home, until a few years ago when failing health caused her to leave Alfred and take the trip to Washington, where with her daughter she lived until death called her. After returning to Alfred, in 1900, she moved her membership with her, and was elected as deaconess, an office of which she was well worthy and capably filled.
She was a woman of noble character, and possessed a sweetness of manor and a sincerity of grace that placed her in the eyes of her friends as one who was living close to her God and was continually drawing from his spirit. These characteristics, with her willingness to sacrifice and her devotion to others, made one feel that she was one of God's saints and that her spirit was continually flowing out and blessing others.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Ulysses S. Hawks of Bothell, near Seattle, Wash, and interment was in the nearby cemetery.
A. C. E.
