Elizabeth "Betty" Louise Clark passed away Sunday morning July 9th, 2017 at home in Pullman. She was born in Dayton, Washington on June 20th, 1928 to Everett M. and Louise Ott Webb. She was the beloved older sister to Dorothy and Richard. The family moved from Dayton to Fairfield, WA where Betty spent her early school years, then moved to Pullman in 1936. Betty graduated from Pullman High School in 1946. She attended Washington State College where she earned a degree in Elementary Education in 1950.
While attending Pullman High School, Betty met her future husband and life partner, D. Girard Clark, Sr. They were married on December 16th, 1948 at the Greystone Presbyterian Church in Pullman. Betty and Girard spent most of their lives in Pullman where they were very involved in the community. Both enjoyed travelling extensively.
Together Betty and Girard raised four children on their family farm, Girard Jr. (Debbie), Asa (Frances), Jane (Marc Stewart), and Mark (Julie). Betty always enjoyed spending time with, and spoiling her ten grandchildren: Gavin, Kyle, Richard, Daniel, Andrew, Ian, Robin, Sarajane, Mary, and Rob. She always made it a point to attend as many of their sporting events, concerts, recitals, and performances as possible. Later in life she was very proud of her three great-grandchildren, Bryson, Emmalyn, and Theo, and she was very happy to have recently enjoyed their company.
After Girard passed away in 2007, Betty married Bob Nilan on November 7th, 2009. They would enjoy each other's companionship until Bob's passing in 2015.
Betty was always interested in other people, forging many lifelong friendships from her love of community and service. She was well known for hosting events and holidays that would bring her extended family and many friends together. Betty was very active in many organizations, including P.E.O. where she served as the State President in 1981, the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and the Presbyterian Church. She was a lifelong Cougar, supporting the university and attending athletic events for more than 70 years.
Betty always maintained a positive outlook on life and an unflappable determination. She strived to enrich the lives of those around her and she lived her life fully to the end.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the medical community, caregivers and numerous friends who supported Betty in the last years of her life.
The memorial service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Congregational United Church of Christ, 525 NE Campus St., Pullman. Vault Interment proceeded at the Pullman Cemetery. Kimball Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations are suggested to Everett and Louise Webb Scholarship Fund at WSU, in care of WSU Foundation, Gift Accounting, P.O. Box 641927, Pullman, WA 99164-1927, (specify the foundation on the memo line) or a charity of your choice.