Betty Clark

Betty Jean Yelton Clark, 89, of Spindale, passed away on the early afternoon of March 31st in Rutherfordton. Betty was born in Golden Valley to Edgar and Effie Yelton on January 23rd 1931. She left home when she was 18 to pursue a career in artistic endeavors and traveled extensively throughout the US and Canada for many years before returning home to help care for her mother who was ill. Later she worked in sales for the remainder of her career until she gave up her work in 1981 to care for her disabled sister Mary after the passing of her mother Effie. After Mary's death in the early 90's, Betty determined to spend the rest of her life trying to contribute to her community by serving the individual people she came into contact with. There are hundreds of people in Rutherford County and far beyond whose lives she touched in simple but meaningful ways. Betty is preceded in death by her siblings Virgil, Evelyn, Louise, Ruth, Howard, Mary, Calvin, Herman, Andrew, Everett and Blaine. She is survived by her son Barry Damon and his sons Patrick and Christian. Christian has a new baby boy, Elijah, who was just born in February of this year. Life leads to life. Betty is also survived by her niece Sandra Marlow of Cherryville who she considered to be her daughter. We would like to thank all the friends and family members who cared for and helped Betty. There are too many to name here but you all know who you are and your love for our Mother and Grandmother will always be remembered and appreciated. In addition we would like to thank all the healthcare workers who, over these past many years, have added to Betty's well being and comfort. Special mention is deserved for the members of the Spindale Fire and Police departments who went out of their way to watch over Betty as she made her rounds in the community. There will be no funeral at this time but when it is possible for people to gather and travel again the family will have a memorial service for Betty at the Golden Valley Church of the Brethren where her ashes will be spread on the land she loved. In the meantime her grandson Christian has set up a Facebook group named, The Betty Yelton Clark Memorial for Friends and Family, that you can join to share stories, express your grief and condolences, and be made aware of the date of her service in Golden Valley.