Ina Clarke

Ina Mae Clarke, 80, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend passed away on April 23, 2025. She passed surrounded by love and the presence of her family. She never backed down from her fight with cancer.

Ina was born in Jamestown, ND on March 30, 1945 to Harold and Ella Diesen. She was the fifth of six children, growing up with five brothers.

She spent most of her younger years growing up on the family farm in Devils Lake, ND, before moving to Whitefish, MT, then on to Eureka, MT, where she would meet Ted Clarke, the love of her life for the next 61 years.

They married on September 7, 1963 and began to build a beautiful life together, settling in Kalispell where they would raise three sons - Gary, Ron and Rich.

They built their home with their own two hands and much hard work, which Ina never shied away from. Ina would devote all her time raising the three rambunctious boys west of town.

After a demanding career of being a homemaker, Ina would later embark on another career working as a receptionist at a doctor's office until retirement. During these years, she also became a grandmother. This was one of the best things in her life. One of her favorite things to do during these years was to have sleepovers with her grandkids.

Before retiring, she and Ted would build yet again, this time in Marion, MT. It was a small, modest cabin that would feel like a true home and was Ina's "happy place" at "The Crick". They also enjoyed going south to the desert of Arizona for some time in the winter.

After retiring, they moved back to Eureka, but spend most of their summer at their home at The Crick. They also started spending a little more time in Arizona during the winter. After a bit, they decided to sell their home in Eureka to live winters in Arizona and summers at their cabin at The Crick.

Ina's greatest contribution to this world was her love and kindness for all. She would never show anger and would always greet you with a hug, her loving smile, and say "Hi sweetie". And the world was good again.

She was the true epitome of a woman that stands by her man. Through thick and thin, she was there for Ted for 61 years. You could count on the fact that she would be by his side 100%.

She had a steadfast faith in the Lord, teaching Christ's love by example. She served as a deaconess, treasurer, and sang in the church choir for years while attending Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. She was also a leader for several years with Bible Study Fellowship.

Through the years she had several hobbies to keep her busy. Being with family, enjoying the outdoors, reading, Swedish weaving, crocheting, blow painting, and later, she found the love of rock hounding. She always had her nose to the dirt looking for pretty rocks. She even tried skydiving at the age of 71.

Ina's greatest passion of all was her love for family and friends. She loved everything from a one-on-one coffee time to their large "Pow Wow" gatherings at The Crick, that would last for days. She and Ted loved to entertain everyone and share what they could.

Ina was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Ella; brothers Carl, Lee, and Wayne; and granddaughter Riley.

She is survived by her husband Ted; sons Gary (Kim), Ron (Nancy), and Rich (Karen); granddaughters Elizabeth (Cale), Brandy (Tony), Brittany, and Desiree (Ben); grandsons David (Natalie) and Kaden; great-grandchildren Natalie, Connor, Braylee, McKinley, Madi, Reagan and Ryder; and brothers Harlan (Carol), Harold Jr (Sue) and sister-in-law Norma.

A celebration of life to remember Ina will be held on July 12 at "The Crick"

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.