Mona Adell CLARK

1931 - 2023

May 17, 1931- May 16, 2023

A song by Nat King Cole "Unforgettable" is the true definition of Mona.

"Unforgettable in every way…and forever more…that's how you'll stay…"

A beautiful and much beloved Matriarch of our family quietly left for heaven to join her family of 9 brothers and sisters, mom & dad, husband Tom, and many friends who have gone before her.

She was born May 17, 1931, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada to Albert and Laura Anderson.

After moving to Boise Idaho in 1952 her mother was offered hotel management in Nezperce Idaho. There she met and married Norman Anderson and became the hardworking rancher/farmers wife that drove grain truck, broke horses, baled hay, and herded cattle, even while raising five children, teaching Sunday School and choir at St. John's Lutheran Church not to mention working at the hotel café cooking her delicious dishes and pies she was very famous for.

They later divorced and she moved to Spokane in 1965 marrying Thomas Clark….and now there were six children.

Music was her whole life as she started out singing on the Canadian radio at 7 years old evolving into a lifetime of singing and entertainment in the hospitality industry beginning at the Spokane House and building her loyal following while managing/working various positions in the food and beverage sales at the Overdraft Tavern, Moulin Rouge Desert Sahara, Dempseys, Lincoln Center Motor Inn, Holiday Inn, and the Davenport Hotel. She was famous for many parties singing with The Hal Poppenroth Trio and even putting on the famous Gong Show. On her birthdays she was always 29 years old. She was invited into the Musicians Legacy and Legends Project and was the Irish Lady of the Year in the St. Patty's Day Parade.

She was a staple of downtown belonging to the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and The Friendly Sons of the Irish.

During 1989-1991 she moved.. all by herself to become CEO of the Buskin River Inn in Kodiak Alaska and then on to managing the Northern Lights Inn in Anchorage, Alaska.

She was beautiful inside and out and would tell everyone she met that she loved them and you could not leave her without a hug. She was Gee Gee …short for Gorgeous Grandma to all. She was brave and battled every tough thing that was thrown at her and there was plenty but she stood strong and set the example to always be kind, respectful, and loyal. She has inspired all of us with her love and compassion.

The family was the heart of Mom. She was the encyclopedia of the family for all of us. She knew the history of practically everyone. If you couldn't remember, she could. She loved a lot of things but her greatest love of all was her family and of course music. If you gave her a word…..she could come up with a song. Our hearts are broken but she is no longer in pain for which we are grateful…..but life will not be the same without her.

Many family members and loved ones have passed before her including her beloved grandson Anderson Mitchell.

Mona is survived by six children: Lyla Mills, Lyndalou Steckler, Larry Anderson, and Lanalee Anderson. Cindell West, Robert Clark. Chosen sister Sharon Currier; 7 grandchildren; 5 great; and 1 great-great.

In honor of Mona's life, we will be having a Celebration of Life at a future date.

HEAVEN IS RICHER!