Marietta Maud Elrey Clark

Marietta Maud Elrey Clark, or "Paki" as she was affectionately called after becoming a grandma, began her "big adventure" on August 15, 1928, in Los Angeles. She was born to Jayne Thatcher and Arthur William Elrey. Marietta had an older brother, Bill, whom she adored. When their parents divorced, Bill and Marietta moved in with their grandparents, Sam, and Bam. They lived in their home on Templeton Street in El Sereno for 20 years. It was a magical neighborhood with a bunch of ragtag kids that fulfilled all of Paki's tomboy dreams. There was a creek, baseball games, and wonderful neighbors who looked out for each other. Paki and Bill would ride the LA trolley car to visit their mom in the city.

Paki attended Woodrow Wilson High School, where she had a wonderful time. She made lifelong friends, drove around in her Model T Ford, and was actively involved in student life especially, girls’ athletics. After graduation, she went on to Los Angeles City College, graduating in February 1949. During those years, Marietta loved theater and dancing at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

Marietta gained a strong sense of faith in Christ in her youth and was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While attending a young adult activity at the beach, she met George Clyde Clark. The two fell in love and were married a few months later in the Manti Temple on September 26, 1949.

They started a family in Norwalk, California, with their first child, David, born in 1951. In 1952, they moved just a few blocks away and welcomed Jody in September 1952 and Georganne in December 1953.

In 1955, they moved to Fullerton, California, expanding both their home and family—Robin arrived in 1956 and Roy in 1957. These were joyful days filled with family activities and church involvement. Marietta found her calling with the Young Women, where she served in various positions for 10 years.

In 1961, the family moved to Placentia, California, where Heidi was born in May of 1962. Shortly after, George's job transferred him to Tulsa, Oklahoma—a move they thought would be permanent. However, they returned to Brea, California just a year later, where they lived happily until 1971.

When David was serving his mission and Jody was attending college, George and Marietta decided to move to Provo, Utah—George's birthplace, home of his BYU alma mater, and a place he had always longed to return to. There, Marietta served in MIA, Relief Society, Sunday School, and Primary. She also served at Girls Camp and directed two Road Shows. During their Provo days Paki worked at the BYU Cougar Eat. She made lots of friends and helped others everywhere she went.

The children married and started families of their own, bringing immense joy to her life.

After living in Provo for 17 years, Marietta and George returned to Southern California, where they rented an apartment in San Diego to be near their children and grandchildren. Marietta served in the Nursery and as Relief Society Spiritual Living Teacher. She also participated in the "family-to-family Book of Mormon" program.

In 1990, the Clarks returned to Salt Lake City. Their family continued to grow, and they were very involved grandparents. Paki was famous for playing volleyball, setting up slip-n-slides, and giving wonderful advice over her famous chocolate chip cookies and hot cup of Postum. Some of her most-used phrases were "Kill them with kindness," "This too shall pass," and "The Lord is in charge."

Marietta and George moved to Bountiful in 1995, where she began working as an Office Manager at Bingham Appraisal. She kept everything organized while her young grandchildren sat on her lap or worked on homework nearby. Her coworkers adored her and lovingly called her Paki.

After retiring from that position, she began serving in the Bountiful Temple in the cafeteria and laundry. She also cared for her sweetheart, George until he passed away in January 2002. Marietta found great fulfillment in serving others—a trait that began in her childhood when she helped care for her ailing grandparents daily. Service was her greatest joy, which she demonstrated constantly to her family. In 2003, she continued this devotion by serving as a single sister LDS missionary in the Albuquerque, New Mexico Mission.

In her later years, Marietta lived in Santa Clara, Utah, with her youngest daughter Heidi and son-in-law Lance. She was delighted with the yard and weather there, tending to her flowers and garden daily. It brought her such joy to watch things grow. She was very independent and could often be found with a murder mystery in her lap after her Monday visits to the library. In the evening, she enjoyed watching "The Bachelor," Hallmark movies, or "Dancing with the Stars” while texting her family during the commercial breaks.

Marietta was humble, faithful, and devoted to serving others. Faith and Family are her legacy. Her selflessness and unconditional love touched everyone around her. She lived a life worthy of a beautiful reunion with her Maker. She taught and influenced so many lives. Her simple life left a tremendous impact. It was "Paki's big adventure"—a phrase she would often use when taking a grandchild on a special date to Arctic Circle or Kmart, and that's exactly what it was! Being with her warmed every part of your heart, leaving an influence that continues to be felt today. She would often marvel at her beautiful family: 6 children, their spouses, 28 grandchildren, and 44 great-grandchildren! We remain in awe of her remarkable life. She was preceded in death by her incredible daughter, Jody, and her beloved husband, George. We can see them swing dancing together now! We feel such overwhelming gratitude to know that families are forever and that we can be with our Paki again.