Helen C. Clark

Helen Clara (Janca) Clark, age 101 of Louisville, formerly Campbellsville, KY, passed away on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

She was born on October 5, 1923, to Edward Janca and Helen Mazur Janca, of Rowena, Texas, 6th of 10 children raised in the German Czechoslovakian Texas community.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Bennie Clark, son-in-law Mike Millett, Parents Edward Janca and Helen Mazur Janca, sisters Stella Laza (Emmett), Mary Davis, Olga Kissinger (Wayne), Lillie Kuhns (Fred), brothers Eddie Janca, and Albert Janca (Freida), sister-in-law Lettie Lowe (Craig) and brother-in-law Leslie Clark (Hazel).

She is survived by her 2 daughters Linda Clark and Debbie Clark Millett of Louisville, and grandchildren: George Richard Buckner III (Linda’s son), Mickey Millett, Andrew Millett, Janca Millett, and Tony Distler (Janca’s fiancé).

Helen is also survived by sisters Regina Goetz (Clarence) and Viola Jenkins (Dennis) and brother Joe Janca (Pat), and numerous nieces and nephews.

Helen was raised in a sharecropper’s house on a Cotton Farm during WWI, the Depression, WWII, and survived countless other catastrophes over her lifetime.

During WWII at an Air Force Base Dance in San Antonio, Helen and Bennie met. Six weeks later they were married, the war ended so they made their home in Henderson, KY where Bennie was raised. From there they moved to Lexington where Bennie got his degree in Agriculture. After several moves they settled in Campbellsville where they raised Linda and Debbie.

Helen worked at Lincoln Income Life Insurance, tutored Math in the GED program and enjoyed anything outdoors, especially camping, boating and fishing with Bennie and the girls. She had an amazing green thumb with the most gorgeous flowers and vegetables. She loved quilting, sewing, cooking and playing bridge with the girls. There was nothing that she couldn’t do.

In her seventies after Bennie passed away, she asked if it would be ok if she went to work as a Greeter at Kmart. Very soon after starting that job they promoted her to an Assistant Manager after realizing her potential. She always gave 110% of everything she did.

Helen adored her grandchildren, creating memories that they cherish. From growing and making Nanny’s Lime Pickles to summers in Campbellsville going to Miller Park, the Baptist Church indoor basketball, and the Par 3 golf, she made sure everyone was having a good time.

She loved her UK Wildcats and never missed a game. She also watched eight years of Janca’s golf, walking the entire course each time. Her happiness was when she had the grandkids at her home teaching them life lessons and how to love one another.

A Graveside Service will be held for Helen at Brookside Cemetery on Main Street in Campbellsville on Friday, September 26 at 1:00.

A Celebration of her life will be held on her 102nd birthday on Sunday, October 5 from 4:00-6:00 at Debbie’s house: 13809 Forest Bend Circle, Louisville 40245.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Muscular Dystrophy Association or Lifehouse Maternity Home.

A very special thank you to Mary Carney & Brittney Dennis, Helen’s loving caregivers who are now like family. Also, a special thank you to her precious KY, TN and TX nieces for loving Aunt Helen with such big hearts!