1944-2025
Jane Rae Clarke, 81, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the Guthrie County Hospital. Born on Jan. 8, 1944, in Perry, Jane was the only child of Vermyl Holmes Shick and Wilda Maxine (Danekas) Shick. She spent her childhood in Rippey and later Lanyon, where she developed a love for the outdoors and the close-knit spirit of rural life.
After graduating from Prairie Community High School in 1962, Jane attended college in Northern Iowa before making a bold move to St. Louis in 1965. There, she began her career with Monsanto Company, building a life of independence and adventure. It was in St. Louis that she met and married William Clarke on Jan. 7, 1967, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter and travel. Together, they raised two sons, Sean William and Brian Matthew, and created a home full of warmth and memories.
In 1976, Jane and Bill returned to Iowa, settling on a farm near Jefferson in 1977. Her childhood passions for water sports and nature remained a central part of her life, leading to their purchase of a home on Lake Panorama in 1987 where they ultimately retired to. Whether she was water skiing, jet skiing with her beloved basset hound Rosie, or simply enjoying an afternoon at the lake with iced tea and good company, Jane embraced every moment with joy. She and Bill also cherished their years wintering in Arizona and later in Naples, Florida.
Jane’s love of games and camaraderie showed through her time playing bridge, board games and, later, online games with friends, her children and grandkids. Her appreciation for antiques and collectibles, passed down from her parents, led to many treasured finds over the years. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson and found happiness in simple pleasures — watching her grandchildren swim at the lake, sharing stories with friends, and, in later years, racing her scooter across the yard with spirit and determination!
She is survived by her devoted husband, William Clarke of Panora; her son, Sean Clarke and Liana of Naples, Florida; her son, Brian Clarke and his wife Angela of Long Grove, Illinois; and six grandchildren — Christian, Alexander, Isabella, Ricky, Bobbi and Angelyse. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vermyl and Wilda Shick.
Jane lived a life rich with adventure, love and laughter. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege to know her.
A visitation with the family will be held Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, Jefferson. A eulogy will be given at 10 a.m., followed by visitation with family and friends until noon.
Services were arranged by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home and Cremation Care, Jefferson.