Kathleen "Kathi" Clark

Kathleen "Kathi" L. Clark lived her life as a quiet echo of the Serenity Prayer-steady, open-hearted, and wise enough to know when to fight and when to simply breathe and let life be. She moved through every season-those she chose and those she didn't-with humility, humor, and a remarkable ability to accept others exactly as they were. Even after receiving a terminal diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, she kept her jokes sharp, her spirit gentle, and her perseverance steady.
Kathi passed away at home on Wednesday December 3, 2025, free at last from the limits her body had begun to place on her. She was born on July 25, 1958, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and graduated from Portage Central High School.
Her life's work could easily be summed up as showing up for people-and she did exactly that for decades through her career in public school transportation. She first drove for Kalamazoo City Schools, Gull Lake Schools, and later for Clear Fork Valley Schools, where she retired in 2023. She was well loved by her students.
Nature was Kathi's refuge from childhood on. She felt most herself with a pack on her shoulders, a canoe paddle in hand, or dirt under her fingernails. Camping-especially at Mackinac Island-was her happy place, and she was a year-round regular at Lake Maria. Her backyard was a lively bird sanctuary, full of feeders and plenty of birds in full view. Her girl scouts lovingly called her "Hummer," a nod to her hummingbird fascination and the energetic joy she carried with her.
Kathi was a girl scout leader for decades, beginning when her daughter Nikki first joined.
Adventures were her specialty-whether she was journaling details from a trip out west, standing in awe in Alaska, or exploring the charm of the New England states. She noticed the small things. She remembered the important things, and savored those beautiful moments in her life.
At home, she ruled the kitchen with the confidence of a seasoned teacher-showing her kids how to prepare, season, and bake with love. Her chicken casserole was the stuff of family legend. Creativity poured out of her in numerous ways-especially in the dollhouse she built by hand, the paintings she made and the blankets she lovingly crocheted.
Kathi was the mom who never missed a practice, the Nana who never missed her grandkid's games, the friend who never failed to show up. Selfless, vibrant, and outgoing, she loved with a generosity that left no one guessing how she felt. Her presence filled rooms, and her heart filled the lives around her.
She is survived by her son Rob Clark (Erika Rinehart) of Lexington and daughter Nikki Timberlake (Leah) of Loudonville; grandchildren Pierce, Ethan, Gunnar, William, Roland, Mali (Josh), and Bentley; her mother Mary Vanderweele; siblings Al (Jennie) Standish and Scott (Kathy) Standish; and dear friend Joyce Norris.
She was welcomed into peace by her husband William Clark; father Phillip Standish; and sister Christine Standish Ruhl.
Kathi leaves behind a legacy of courage, acceptance, laughter, and love-a life lived fully, and on her own terms. The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to assist her family with compassionate cremation services.