Kelly Clark Obituary

On July 14, 2017, we bid a painful goodbye to our beloved daughter, Kelly Nichole-Tripp Clark (Bell). She had courageously battled metastatic breast cancer for seven years, after being diagnosed when she was just 30 years old. This is the most advanced stage of breast cancer that spreads beyond the breast to other organs in the body. She was surrounded and held closely by loved ones as she slipped from this world into a light-filled eternity.
Kelly was a remarkable person who touched hearts and left lasting impressions. Full of a wild, unstoppable passion for life, she was an inspiration to everyone she met. She was born to Kathleen and Jay Bell on April 11, 1980. She dearly loved her two little sisters, Aubrey Ballinger and Laurel Gibson. In turn, she was adored by them.
She attended Lakewood Elementary, Woodbridge Middle School and Lodi High, graduating with honors in 1998. In 2001, she married Brad Clark, her first and only true love, at Lodi Lake Park, under the giant weeping willows. After their marriage, the newlyweds moved to San Jose, where they both attended and graduated from San Jose State University. It was here that Kelly came away with BA degree in Art.
Her talents were boundless; she was a prolific writer and wonderful teacher in addition to being an awe-inspiring artist and silversmith.
Her shop, called UmberDove, online on Etsy, was the forum she used to amaze and delight her fanbase with exquisite jewelry, paintings, calendars, and inspiring stories of her adventures in the wild outdoors.
The two moved to the Seattle area and bought their first home. Kelly's cancer continued to spread and, as fate would have it, she was fortunate to have a talented and compassionate team at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance who did all in their power to save her.
On the night of August 13, 2017, a wild, and raucous (and terribly tearful) party was held in her honor. 100+ friends and family met at a beautiful artist's loft in downtown Seattle and raised the roof as we remembered this incredible young woman. Kelly left a huge hole in all of our hearts that can never be filled. She will be missed forever, but her wonderful writings, beautiful jewelry and artwork will always live on.
To see some of Kelly's work, go to https://www.facebook.com/UmberDove-296068912769/ To read her blog posts, go to http://www.umberdove.com/blog/
For all the many friends and family who were unable to attend the Farewell Party in Seattle, her family is planning another get together. It will be held in a suburb of Sacramento on September 17th, 2017. The address is 3471 Sutter Hill Lane, Carmichael, CA. Please call Pamela McClanahan at (916) 944-1570 or (916) 601-1609 to RSVP.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Aug. 26 to Sep. 1, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Kelly Clark

8 Entries

August 29, 2017

So deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of Kelly. I have so many memories of the girls at Lakewood School. My son , Dustin , in her class was also shocked and saddened to hear of her battle and loss. Our sympathies to all of you
Kathy Dais
Lodi, CA

Bev Lacy

August 29, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Having lost a daughter of my own I know the pain and the hole it leaves in your heart. Bev Lacy

In Kelly's own words: I found great comfort in reading her blog. How appropriate that she, the one passed, brings comfort to those of us remaining

Patty Radotic

August 28, 2017

Patty Radoti

August 28, 2017

Passion and creative energy are two of the attributes I remember the most about Kelly. She was my student in Performing Arts at Woodbridge School and I was always awed by her ability to go outside her comfort zone to get to the next level. She was hesitant at first when I mentioned all the students had to model in our annual fashion show. However, after a few rehearsals, she not only modeled, but owned the runway!
Kelly exhibited an artistic flair even then and she had the determination to follow her passion. If things did not develop like she thought they should, she redirected her energy to another path to follow her passion.
My heart is heavy today as I read her obituary. I grieve deeply for her family. My own daughter is two weeks younger than Kelly and I cannot imagine the pain Jay and Kathy are experiencing. I am thankful that the obituary mentioned where to see her art pieces and read her blog as Kelly's Spirit will live on through her creations.
Please know that I will have her parents, sisters and friends in my prayers each day and ask God to wrap His arms around you all to cradle you as you go through this difficult time. Thank you for the vibrant times I was able to share with Kelly as my student. She was a pure delight!
My Love and Sympathy,
Patty Radoti

Todd & Liz Hausauer

August 28, 2017

So sorry to hear that Kelly lost her battle. Our prayers are with you.

Julie & Duane Wahl

August 27, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family as you travel this very difficult road. Loss is never easy but for one who was so talented and vibrant it is even harder. But, we know her spirit will live on through her art.

Dave Glass

August 26, 2017

Dear Bell and Clark Families,

Chris and I are so sad that Kelly had to go through the last several years and then leave you. She was truly an amazing young woman, and we will never understand why the Lord would allow her to be taken so early in life. We're praying for you that God would provide a good measure of comfort in His time, but we support you in your grief.

Dave Glass (for Chris too)

Pamela McClanahan

August 26, 2017

**UPDATE... The correct phone # to RSVP is 916-694-9451. The street address is 3741 Sutter Hill Lane in Carmichael and the event will begin at 3pm on Sunday, September 17th. Thank you.

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