Patricia Clark

Patricia Ann [Petrillose] Clark died early Sunday morning, October 12, 2025, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, Kansas. We, her immediate family, have both gratitude and admiration for the care she received, especially in the hospital's emergency room.
Patricia was born to George D. and Mildred Schembri Petrillose on January 18, 1939 in Ithaca, New York. She was the loved and loving wife of nearly 65 years to George Richmond Clark, and mother of their three children, Douglas Alan Clark, Mary Ann Clark, and Jennifer Ann van Pelt. She is survived by her husband and children, plus six grandchildren and a large extended family.
Patricia served her country as an officer in the U.S. Navy, first as the Communications Officer at small naval station and then as the Classified Publications Librarian at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. In accord with then Naval Regulations, she resigned her commission as her first child was imminent, joining her husband at his duty station at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
Patricia accompanied George to his graduate studies at Caltech, making many friends there before he took up his first academic appointment in New Mexico. While there, and later at others of his appointments, Patricia worked toward a master's degree in History. She completed enough of her research to present a professional paper at an academic meeting, but her mentor moved to a different university and unfortunately ended his supervision.
George took the family to an appointment at Kansas State University, at Manhattan, Kansas, where Patricia received an attractive offer to become a professional realtor. She accepted this and turned it into a satisfactory career, eventually becoming a broker on her own. She retired a number of years ago, and still has good relations among both her former clients and fellow realtors.
Patricia had a special devotion for the Girl Scouts, joining as a child and continuing well into her later years. Here in Kansas, she led Troop 392 with special verve and imagination, attracting a diverse membership, including a considerable formal and informal group of as many as 20 girls, and on occasion, some of their brothers as well. She was especially talented at involving family members and outside supporters. At various times and places, she recruited two qualified nurses, a professional canoe instructor, a woodcraft instructor, an official at the American Institute of Baking (offering unofficial tours and numerous treats), a history museum curator, two (nonmember) horses and many enthusiastic dogs.
Patricia was a long-term president of our local homeowners association, and used her leadership skills to build the board of directors that so effectively manages our organization today.
Patricia ("Patti") requested no visitations or memorial services, but we imagine that brief thoughts by those that knew her would not go amiss.
Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Ave, Manhattan, KS, is assisting the family with arrangements.