Marcella Venable

Marcella Venable passed away on October 31st 2013 Toppenish, Washington. Marcella was born to Ed and Myrtle Ekard on February 19th 1931 in Lincoln Nebraska. Early in her life they moved to Toppenish Washington where she enjoyed her youth, and graduated from Toppenish High with the class of 1949. She was beautiful as The Toppenish Rodeo Princess one year! She was married to Ron Halverson for a time and together had a son, Pat. She later met Stewart Clark they were married in 1954 , had 3 more children, Gail, Susan and Jimmy, and for 20 years we were a family of six. We didn't have much and lived in many old houses, Mom always made them warm and inviting, a home indeed. She worked hard all week packing apples at several Fruit Companies over the years, Hulls, Gilbert, Highland and Evans Fruit. On Saturdays she headed to the laundry mat ( often with kids in tow ) then grocery shopping for the week. On Sundays, She would inevitably prepare for us a traditional Sunday Dinner, often a fragrant pot roast, with all the fixins. She was a great cook and could always make something out of nothing! (Konky Doodle anyone??) Some of the sandwiches she made for our school lunches were a mystery we to this day don't know! Some stones are better left unturned. Marcella was active in Ahtanum Women's club, where they kept busy doing many activities for charities in the area. We have fond memories of many of these during the Ahtanum Fair. Mom was Beautiful and full of spunk. She had many friends and was loved by many of our friends as well. She loved horses and always hoped to someday have a ranch to raise them. Sadly that dream never came true. After marrying Francis Venable in 1979 She was happier then we had ever seen her, they moved to Pendleton with high hopes and dreams of beginning that horse ranch. At the age of 49, she was hit with a massive stroke and spent the next 33 years in a wheelchair. The journey none of us asked for, was a tough one. Especially on her. She eventually was in several assisted living homes, and Nursing homes. Our thanks to all those who cared for her, especially Good Samaritan in Yakima, and Toppenish Nursing home where she spent the past 2 years. Your jobs are not easy, and we are thankful for all you have done. Marcella was preceded in death by her parents , and brother Jim Ekard, Her husband's; Ron Halverson, Stewart Clark, and Francis Venable. She is survived by her four children Pat Clark (Marilee), Gail Thomas (John), Susan Perry (Mike) and Jim Clark (Lisa): Seven grandchildren: Travis Freshwater ( Kathy), Tamara Evans, Justin Thomas( Brittany), Carlie Duben (Nick) Hannah Thomas, Bo Clark and Josh Clark, and eight great grandchildren, Benjamin, and Jacob Freshwater, Logan, Ransom, Everly and Verity Thomas, and Elijah and Mila Duben. Your journey through this life was not an easy one, Dear Mother..but you won't have to pass this way again. You have been called home to your Heavenly Father and given a new body, with arms and legs that do what they are meant to do, Hug, and wave, and dance. You keep Dancin Mama, until we see you again. In our hearts you'll forever remain. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Marcella Venable, please visit our flower store.