Our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and beloved friend passed away quietly on November 8, 2020.
Jan was born June 15, 1939, to Cornelius and Hendrica Adriana Swart Van Ry. She was a pure delight to her Dutch immigrant parents and her three older brothers -- all who lovingly referred to her as “Lil Sis.”
Jan treasured her Dutch heritage and was so proud of the family she grew up in. She had tremendous love and admiration for each one of them and would beam at the mere mention of her family. She idolized her brothers and was so grateful for the close relationship they all maintained throughout her life.
Jan graduated from Granite High School and then from Utah State University with a degree in Elementary Education. She loved teaching and working with children -- a talent for which she had a rare gift. Her love for any child was evident -- she could quickly connect with them and make them feel loved.
Once Jan met Robert Maurice Clark (Bob), the two were inseparable. Their marriage was a true love affair from the beginning -- one that would have celebrated 55 years this December 3rd. Together they had 6 children, 28 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and counting.
Jan was devoted to her family and enjoyed doting over them all. Being a wife, mother and homemaker was vitally important to her. Mom was elated and completely content whenever family was around, and she could simply spend time with them (which typically included something scrumptious that she had baked especially for the occasion). Family gatherings and holidays brought her immense joy. She cherished family traditions and made every minute spent as a family memorable -- always the graceful, quiet host attending to her posterity with love. She truly was the heart of our family!
Mom loved music -- both singing and playing the piano. Through music, she helped to bring sweet peaceful moments into the family both at home and on road trips. Her favorite go to songs were "Love One Another," "Love at Home," and "Six Little Ducks."
Mom had complete commitment to her Heavenly Father and was a faithful and steadfast member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many leadership positions in the Relief Society, Young Women’s Organization and the Primary. She loved all of those with whom she associated throughout the years but adored any time she could spend teaching the little children in Primary. Their sweet spirits mingled effortlessly with hers. They could feel of her testimony and know they were loved.
Mom loved to serve others and would drop anything to help anyone at any time. She often could be found reaching out with a quick call of encouragement, thoughtful handwritten note or a spontaneous visit accompanied by a loaf of freshly-baked bread or cookies. She was attuned to the needs of others, letting kindness and affection be her guide.
She gave the best hugs. Her sweet smile coupled with the bright twinkle in her blue eyes made everyone feel safe, comforted and loved. She never allowed anyone to cry alone and was always present with a listening ear and caring heart.
She was our best friend, strongest supporter, loudest cheerleader, needed confidante, tender teacher, perfect example and adored angel. We loved her dearly and will miss her more than words can say.
Jan is survived by her eternal companion, Bob, her children Julie (Michael) Lundberg, Cari Hart, Robert C. (Mary) Clark, Michael W. (Cher) Clark, Steven M. Clark, and Ross V. (Amy) Clark, her dear brother, Jack (Cherie) Van Ry, and her sister (in-law) Joan Van Ry whom she thought the world of. Jan had a joyous reunion with her parents and her two brothers, William Wessel and Cornelius Van Ry, Jr.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to Summit Home Health & Hospice, especially Hospice Nurse Kim Grover for the compassionate care and succor they gave to Mom.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 11:00 AM at the Cottonwood Heights Stake Center, 6890 South Whitmore Way, Salt Lake City, Utah. A viewing will precede the funeral at the same location on Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 AM.
