Esther Renae Connelly Clark

Our precious daughter of God, Esther Renae Connelly Clark, passed away on September 12, 2017 following complications from a stroke. She was born in Levan, Utah on March 25, 1927, the 3rddaughter of Graham and Esther Connelly. Just before her sophomore year in High School, she moved to Salt Lake City and was later introduced to a charming, handsome young man named Dale Grant Clark. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 15, 1947. Before getting married, Dale and Renae spent long hours building their own house on a large plot of land located at 4600 South and 7thEast. With the help of Dale's brother Arben who also built his house at the same location they were able to erect a lovely little cottage for their future family. Dale and Renae moved to California for a short time trying out a new job opportunity, but this did not pan out and they returned to Salt Lake. Later when 7thEast was widened, they moved further Southeast (Murray area) where Dale and Renae lived for 56 years. Renae has served in many church callings, but her greatest service was never initiated by a calling. She was constantly looking for ways to help her neighbors and people in her ward which may have included sharing a treat with them, taking them to an appointment or an activity, or just simply visiting with them. Her family was her greatest achievement and she did everything she could to build relationships with each of her children and grandchildren whom she dearly loved. She worked in Granite School District for several years, and also volunteered reading to children with her husband. In 1991, Dale and Renae served a mission to Columbia, South Carolina. Renae worked in the mission office in the position of personal secretary to the mission president, and very much enjoyed this labor of love in the mission field. Later, Renae and Dale took a trip to Israel and had a splendid time visiting historical sites there. For a time, Renae also served in the Jordan River Temple as a temple worker, and enjoyed this experience. Some of her children remember when attending the Temple with Mom, that without fail if she ever got into a conversation with any of the sisters who were there as temple workers, she would thank them for their service and uplifting smile and greetings as they did their service. It must have exemplified how Renae did her service when she was a temple worker in the hallways, the baptistry, etc. Truly, Renae was a person full of gratitude for all good things, and she went out of her way to express that gratitude. Up until the very week prior to her passing, Renae drove herself to the Temple every week, also transporting other sisters with her who were unable to drive themselves. She loved gardening and spent many hours in her yard making it look pristine and beautiful. She enjoyed Family History work, indexing, and visiting teaching. She was a constant example of Christ- like service and would often say, "Isn't the gospel wonderful! I am so blessed to be a member of this church!" Renae was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings (Beth, Bernis, Iris, Gary and Margo); and a precious granddaughter Dana. She is survived by her children: Steve (Priscilla), Wendy (Randy) Peterson, Greg, Marcus (Shelly) and Kyle (Stacey). She is "Grandma Clark" to 14 wonderful grandchildren: Amy, Eric (Kelsha) Peterson, Ben (Hailey) Clark, Seth, Jason, Heather (Daniel) Smith, Ryan, Aspen (currently serving a mission in Ohio), Spencer, Mike, Jose, Nico, Azehlea, and John. Her precious great-grandchildren include Willis Peterson, Charlee Smith, and Trystan Peterson and beloved dog Tasha. A viewing will be heldFridayevening,September 15th from6:00-8:00 p.m.at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 16th, 11:00 a.m., at the LDS Chapel located at 981 East Revere Circle (5550 So.), with a viewing prior from9:30 to 10:45. Burial will take place at Elysian Burial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Perpetual Education Fund, or the LDS Missionary Fund. Place of Birth:Levan, UtahPlace of Death:Murray, Utah