Clarka Bayles Peterson

August 26, 1931 ~ October 18, 2009

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Clarka Peterson passed away peacefully Sunday, October 18, 2009.

Clarka was born August 26, 1931 in Provo, UT to Clark Lyman Bayles and Pearl Bernice Adams.

She was named for her father, who died just months before she was born.  Therefore, Clarka and her mother were closest companions. 

Her childhood was spent in Blanding, UT. She later moved to New York City where she worked as a fashion model.  It is in New York City where she first met her sweetheart, William Clayne Peterson.  She married Clayne on August 30, 1956 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. 

Clarka lived in many places throughout the United States, including New York, Massachusetts, Texas, California, Colorado, Illinois and Utah. 

After her husband died, she moved in 1994 to her most recent home in Provo, UT.  She served many years for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in ward and Stake presidencies of the Relief Society and Primary organizations. She remained faithful and active in her church service and recently worked in the LDS Provo, Utah temple until she was physically unable to continue. 

She tirelessly supported and accompanied her husband until his death in 1992 in Church, service, scouting, and civic positions. She was an active participant in community service, and an avid tennis player. 

She enjoyed traveling all over the world but her favorite trip was following the travels of the Apostle Paul through Israel, Greece and Turkey.

Friends and family remember Clarka for her tenacity and strong will. She held firmly to her opinions and expressed them freely. She intensely loved those close to her. 

Clarka has been an excellent example and friend to many; especially her grandchildren, who she taught, loved and served.

She is now reunited with her husband, mother and other loved ones and now as the opportunity to meet her earthly father.

She is survived by her brother Donald of Blanding, sons Michael (Lori) of Buffalo Grove, IL, Robert (Laurie) of Alpine, UT, Steven (Coleen) of Orem, UT, and 20 grandchildren aged 1-23, three of which currently serve as missionaries for the LDS Church. She is preceded in death by her brother, Grant Bayles.

The family is grateful for the many friends, neighbors, relatives and medical providers that have loved, served and cared for her.

Funeral services were held October 22. Graveside service and burial was at the Logan City Cemetery, Logan, UT.