Eleanor Ruth Clarke

Eleanor Ruth Clarke, age 88, of Ferndale, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 13, 2025. Born April 22, 1937, in London, Ontario, she was the cherished daughter of William and Margreta Boyce. Eleanor grew up in London and spent much of her early life in Windsor before making Ferndale her home in 1967.
Eleanor was beloved by all who knew her-her gentle spirit, genial warmth, and famously playful nature earned her the endearing nickname, "the cat lady." A devoted gardener and avid puzzle solver, she could often be found coaxing blossoms from her plants or engrossed in a challenging game, always with quiet joy and creativity. She was also an enthusiastic bowler and loved spending time outdoors, especially while camping at Walnut Hills Campground-one of her favorite pastimes with family and friends.
In 1961, she married James Clarke, with whom she shared many wonderful years until his passing in 2011. Professionally, Eleanor devoted over two decades to the Ferndale Schools community as a respectful and valued cafeteria manager, guiding both students and staff through countless sunny lunchtimes with kindness and care.
She is survived by her daughter, Vicki (Jeff) Miller; her son, Jim (Cindy) Clarke; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Beth (Paul) Fellner. Preceding her in death were her husband James, her brother William, and her sisters Barbara, Annabelle, and Francis.
A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main Street, Clawson, MI 48017.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Michigan Humane Society in Eleanor's name, honoring her lifelong love of animals and the compassion she extended to every creature she met. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Eleanor, please visit our Tree Store.