Virginia Clark, 77

Virginia Grace Clark, 77, of Coeur d'Alene, passed away peacefully Jan. 21, 2011, at Kootenai Medical Center. Virginia was born June 10, 1933, in Houghton, Mich., to Franz Grahm and Mary Ruth (Barkell) Michels.

In 1953 Virginia was married to Walter Roger Clark in Houghton and in the spring of 1954 they moved to Sandpoint. They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary before Walter died in 2009. Walt and Virginia made North Idaho their home as they raised their family. They lived in Sandpoint, Orofino, Craigmont, St. Maries and Coeur d'Alene.

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Linda and Joann, as well as their husbands Steve Matz and Chris Wilcox; her granddaughters, Elise and Holly Matz, Emma and Kate Wilcox; and her brother, John J. "Jack" Michels.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; her daughter, Dorothy Clark and her brother, Paul G. Michels.

Virginia was a great wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a graceful presence with a kind and generous heart. She was a wonderful homemaker and baked the most amazing cinnamon rolls. Her busy hands were seldom idle, she could knit an afghan or reupholster a car and later in life she collected antique furniture, which she refurbished into like new condition. She had a special love for every dog that was privileged to be her friend and she could often be found sharing cookies and milk with them in the afternoons.

Virginia was a very strong woman (and a little stubborn too); strong in her faith, strong in her will, strong in her heart and strong in her love. Fortunately her strength was inherited by family and friends.

Later in life, Virginia made many special friends at LaCrosse Health and Rehab and the Loyalton. She enjoyed the company of all the great people she encountered. We would like to thank all those who shared in the love of our mother.

A vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene Chapel. The funeral Mass will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Coeur d'Alene, with burial in Forest Cemetery.

Please visit Virginia's memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.