Ruth Clark

Ruth Elizabeth (Bette) Clark stepped into the arms of Jesus surrounded by family on Friday, April 8, 2022. A memorial service officiated by Jeff Houghtaling will be held at Hermosa Drive Baptist Church, Artesia, NM on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 2 pm.

Bette was born in Lanesborough, MA on June 14, 1926 to Edward H. and Ruth E. (Mickle) Clairmont. She married Harry J. Clark on July 18, 1992. He preceded her in death February 6, 2021.

Bette moved to Loco Hills, New Mexico in September 1949, which she considered the greatest culture shock of her life. She moved to Artesia three months later and considered it home until her passing.

Bette was known as Grandmom by anyone who knew and loved her. This was an endearing name to her. The doors to her home were always opened and you were always welcomed by her beautiful smile. You could hear her singing or humming as she walked around her home. Grandmom made the choice each and every day to make the best of everything and would say "inch by inch anything's a cinch." She was a woman of great faith and trust in the Lord. She faced life with courage, strength, love and forgiveness. She worked many years in medical offices as a receptionist and insurance clerk. Grandmom was never idle. She began each day reading her bible and devotionals. She loved working in her flower garden, knitting, needle point, working on puzzles, reading, baking (really loved experimenting with recipes on the family), playing games with family, babysitting grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attending all of their activities. She enjoyed being camp host with Harry during the summer months and traveling in their RV. She was also known to try every gadget the great-grandkids got for Christmas including a motor scooter which she rode down the sidewalk.

Bette leaves behind three daughters: Kathy Wilbanks and husband Ronnie, Debbie Shuman and husband Johnny, and Donna Marsh. Grandchildren: Lance Wilbanks and wife Michelle, Jennifer Miller and husband Robby, Aaron Wilbanks and wife Nicole, Jarrod Richardson and wife Tianna, Christopher Lee and wife Melyssa, Cara Beth Petersen and husband Andrew, Iris Rodriquez, Carter Shuman and wife Trish, Landon Shuman and wife Courtney. Great-grandchildren: Kierra Liles and husband Cameron, Kambree Wilbanks, Tyler Mansell, Keaton Wilbanks, Ethan Wilbanks, Kenna Wilbanks, Teagan Miller, Peyton Stone, Presleigh Stone, Mya Wilbanks, Adaelyn Lee, Embry Lee, Oliver Lee, Mable Lee, Kinslee Richardson, Amanda Shuman, Radyn Shuman, Happiness Shuman, Hudson Shuman, Amelia Shuman, Brighten Shuman, Kellan Petersen, Kennedy Petersen, Macsen Petersen, Tyler Henson and wife Kayla, Payton Henson, Lauren "Sissy" Henson, Chevy Rodriquez and Lilly Rodriquez. Great-great-granddaughter: Blakely Liles. Brothers: Donald Clairmont and wife Dot and LeRoy Clairmont and wife Carol. Numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brothers Edward H. Clairmont and John "Puzzy" N. Clairmont, sister Phyllis Amuso and great-grandson Jordan Shuman.

Our sincerest thanks to all those who loved and cared for our mother/grandmother in her final days including Jamie and Cierra with Encompass Hospice nursing staff, her caregivers from Comfort Keepers, and Lina Esparza Flores.

The words that she left us are, "I pray that you will remember the words of our Lord, and love one another as I have loved you"