Wanda Mae Clark

Wanda Mae Clark, 97, of New Philadelphia passed away Monday evening, September 17, 2012 in New Dawn Nursing Home at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in New Philadelphia on April 25, 1915, Wanda was the daughter of the late Byron Franklin and Winifred Elizabeth (Davis) Swihart.

Wanda’s schooling began at West Elementary, then Welty Jr. High, and ultimately New Philadelphia High School.

She then continued her formal education attending and graduating from Bustin Beauty School in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 31. Wanda returned to the community where she owned and operated Wanda’s Hair Styling in New Philadelphia for 27 years prior to her retirement.

Wanda was a gifted artist specializing in oils, water colors and acrylics. Her memberships included the Tuscarawas County Art Guild where she was the last surviving Charter Member; the Tuscarawas County Historical Society, and the Tuscarawas County AARP Chapter #2495 where she served as President from 1990-2001 and also Vice-President and Secretary.

Wanda received her College of Regents degree in the Women of the Moose after fulfilling many other offices in the chapter. She was also a social member of the Dover and New Philadelphia VFW.

On April 10, 1925, she joined the First Church of the Brethren where her faith was nurtured throughout her lifetime. She was proud to be one of the eldest members of the congregation.

She will be missed by her loving family including her daughter, Roberta M. West; three grandsons, Robert M. (Brenda) West, Richard E. (Loretta) West, and Daniel L. West; her sister, The Rev. Evelyn L. Anslow; 7 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, the late Robert Nelson Clark; her brother, Charles B. Swihart; and her two sisters, Alice V. Pepper and Theda E. Lawrence.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, September 20 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. A service celebrating Wanda’s life will be held in the First Church of the Brethren, 700 Fair Ave NE, New Philadelphia, on Friday beginning at 2 p.m. with Pastor Max Canfield officiating.

Burial will follow the service in Jerusalem Church Cemetery. Friends are invited back to the church where Wanda’s church family will host a reception.

Memorial contributions in Wanda’s memory may be directed to the First Church of the Brethren.