Carmelita Clarkson, 89, of Winfield, Kan., passed away Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Winfield Senior Living.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 that afternoon.
Memorials have been established in Carmelita’s name for Cowley County 4-H, William Newton Hospital Auxiliary, and for Harry Hynes Hospice. Contributions may be made through Miles Funeral Service.
Born September 16, 1929 in Kirksville, Missouri, she was the daughter of Charles and Bessie (Haller) Kirk. She was raised and received her education in Kirksville.
Carmelita was united in marriage to Lloyd E. Clarkson on August 30, 1947 in Kirksville, Missouri. The couple made their first home on a farm outside of Kirksville. They moved to a farm north of Winfield, Kansas in 1959, where they remained until moving into Winfield in 2007. In 1979, Carmelita began working as a sales clerk for Kerr’s Dress Shop. In the late 1980’s, she began working at the County Clerk’s Office, a position she held until being elected County Clerk. She remained there until retiring in the early 2000’s. Lloyd preceded her in death on March 18, 2012.
She was a former member of the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary and the American Polled Hereford Pollette’s. She enjoyed crocheting and knitting, and especially enjoyed being with family. On a trip to Branson, Missouri with her niece, Lela, she became an avid fan of the Presley’s. She enjoyed watching them on television every Saturday and would take trips to Branson to see them live as often as she could.
Her family includes her son-in-law Jerry Frisbie of Pratt; her daughter-in-law Teresa Young and husband, Melvin of Maple City; her grandchildren, Bradley Clarkson and wife, Gretchen of Stillwater, OK; Misti Clarkson of Kansas City; Shelley Meitler of Great Bend; Carmel Adrian of Larned; Bert Frisbie and wife, Mary Lou of Pawnee Rock; Clayton Young and wife, Bridgette of Wichita; Kris Young and wife, Jill of Newkirk, OK; her great-grandchildren, Kaylleigh, Wade, Kade, Aspen, Gentrie, Cates, Tucker, Adella, Easton, and Ian; her niece Lela Darby; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Carmelita was preceded in death by her son Floyd Clarkson, daughter Jean Clarkson-Frisbie, and sister Lola Darby.