Anita Jean Clark of Port Ludlow, WA passed away in her home, surrounded by her family on July 20, 2015. She was 79 years old.
Anita is survived by her husband of 56 years, Donald S. Clark; her four children; Leslie Edgerton of Seattle, Steve Clark of Seattle, Karen Richardson of Anchorage, and Andrea Watson of Mercer Island. She is also survived by her brother Nik Salrmela, of Tracyton, WA, and sister MaryLou Joss of San Tan Valley, Az; as well as her 11 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by one granddaughter.
Anita was born on February 18, 1936 in Bremerton, WA to Jack and Mary Salmela. During her high school years, Anita’s family moved to Seattle where she attended and graduated from Franklin High School in 1954. Anita then attended the University of Washington where she earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Soon after graduating, on August 8, 1958, she and Don were married. For 5 years Anita taught fifth grade in the South Central School district. In 1967, Don and Anita moved to the house they built on Mercer Island, where they lived for 46 years and raised four children. In 2012, Don and Anita moved to Port Ludlow.
For many years, Anita was secretary/treasurer of Genesee Fuel Company. She also dedicated many hours to the Ryther Child Center League where she served in many positions including Chairperson. Anita was also very active in her church, Evergreen Covenant (Mercer Island Covenant), where she served as an Elder.
An avid Mariner and Husky fan, Anita also enjoyed gardening, traveling, the symphony and theater. She was extremely proud of her four children, and she thoroughly enjoyed each one of her grandchildren. Anita will be remembered as a loving, kind, and generous person.
A memorial service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 29th at 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Covenant Church on Mercer Island, 3200 78th Ave SE, with a reception immediately following. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ryther Child Center League or Evergreen Covenant Church.
