Esther Clark, 89

Esther L. Clark, 89, of Kalamazoo, passed peacefully on Jan. 9, 2015 of natural causes.

She was born June 10, 1925 in Kalamazoo to her parents Albert and Elithier Arink, and is preceded in death by her loving husband, Alfred L. Clark. Esther received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Michigan University and continued on to University of Michigan for her Master’s of Education. She spent her entire professional career as a kindergarten teacher starting in San Diego, Calif. and then Kalamazoo Public Schools in Michigan. She lovingly referred to her students as “my children.” She loved spending time gardening, sewing, listening to classical music, being with her cocker spaniels and most of all spending time with her family.

Esther is survived by many loved ones, including her three children, daughter, Cathy (Cliff) Anderson of North Carolina and their children, Clark and Matthew; daughter, Deborah Balog of Three Rivers and her children, Joe and Chris; and her son, Mark Clark of Belleville.

In respect of Esther’s wishes there will not be a visitation or memorial service. Cremation has taken place and she will be buried next to her husband in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date. It was Esther’s wishes that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.

Please visit Esther’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, Betzler — Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive (800) 822-7594.