Penni Kaye Clark

Penni Kaye Clark

June 3, 1941 – August 17, 2025

Penni Clark was a ball of fire! She lived life with gusto and a deep sense of adventure. Born June 3, 1941 to parents Gladys M. Dennison and Harry M. Evans, she arrived on this earth during the challenging years of World War II.

She was the quintessential first child, assuming a strong leadership role early in life, she was “Mama Penni” to her siblings Karen, Rick and Bonnie. Penni came of age in the late 1950’s marrying and forming her family of three cherished daughters: Rochelle, Denise and Jennifer.

The mid 1970’s were a time of upheaval and change for our Penni. Having relocated halfway across the country, she found herself on her own, far from family and friends. Wasting no time, she rose to the challenge of single parenthood with courage and determination. She demonstrated grit, imagination and resourcefulness as she evolved. A true believer in the value of education, Penni met this new chapter in her life head-on by returning to school to earn LVN credentials and becoming a trusted caregiver.

In 1979 she met a long, tall Texan – Robert Allan Clark. They quickly realized that life was richer and more meaningful together. In 1982 they married and shared 42 wonderful, amazing years of love, loyalty and adventure. Their love strengthened over the decades as Penni embraced ranch life in the Texas panhandle. They had tons of fun together. They tended and nurtured their love for one another. Penni and Robert did not always agree but found ways to see through their differences and to bind themselves to deeper understanding of each other and of their respective children.

Fiercely independent, notoriously stubborn, famously opinionated – Penni’s vibrant zestful spirit was evident in all she did and cared for. An authentic woman with deep convictions, she never shied away from expressing her thoughts. She left an indelible mark on all those she met. She has been rightly characterized as sometimes sweet, often salty and thoroughly spicy, just like her love for good food! She possessed the unique ability to grace ordinary things and everyday experiences with beauty and magic. Really, who else but Penni could imagine a surprisingly beautiful, handcrafted Christmas ornament made of tree fungus?

Side by side with her favorite cowboy she learned what it truly meant to be a steward of the land. She loved growing (and stealing) flowers; exalted in butterflies; welcomed cardinals, deer and turkey into her yard; was thrilled by music and art. She was a true conservationist and environmentalist who led by example. Never one to waste a resource, her daughters can tell you that she never tossed out anything that may have had a slim chance of usefulness in the future.

Most of all, Penni demonstrated deep love and affection for her family and wide circle of friends. Pouring love and attention on her much-adored great grandchildren was the focus of her later years. They loved and adored GG. But always keen to have the last word, Penni made a point to end every visit or phone call with: “I love you more!”

Penni Kaye Clark was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Robert Clark, her dear siblings - sister Karen Hughey and brother Rick Evans. She is survived by little sister Bonnie LaFeir; her three daughters and their spouses, Rochelle and William Harmon, Denise Signs and Marie Tapp, Jennifer and Kevin Wheeler; her precious grandchildren Shawree Wheeler and children Annastasia and Eli, Kyle and Jessie Wheeler, Bailee and Robert Benavides and children Bohdi and Lily; three nieces, one nephew and countless dear friends. A very special thank you to all the care givers at Mesa View Senior Living.

“Sister, mom, wife, friend, gramma, GG – We love YOU more! Bye for now.”

Penni has donated her earthly body to science to further the development of medical sciences. A private celebration will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mesa View Senior Living: 106 Teas Circle, Canadian, TX 79014.