Rheba Clark

Beloved Public School Teacher Passes
Rheba Cunningham Clark

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Rheba Clark, dedicated and beloved public school teacher of 33 years. Rheba, age 89, of Cincinnati Ohio passed away on Friday, May 20, 2016. She was born June 13, 1926 on the family farm near Munday, Texas. She graduated from Bomarton Rural High School in TX in 1943. Graduating early, at age 16, with top honors. Attended North Texas State University until WWII. She left college to fill the void made by male teachers who went to war. She took various teaching positions in schools surrounding Munday, TX. She married Lawrence Ottmers on August 6, 1946 with her sister Joyce as maid of honor. Their 1st son, Phillip, died in childbirth in 1949. Their 2nd son, Lawrence David Ottmers, was born in 1950 in Del Rio, TX. Rheba's husband, Lawrence Ottmers, died in December of 1950, leaving Rheba with a young child to raise by herself. With support from her family Rheba returned to North Texas State University earning a degree as a teacher. She met Robert Clark, her (present) husband of 61 years while teaching at the high school in Chillicothe, TX. They were married in 1954 at the Presbyterian Church of Seymour, Texas with her sister Nell as bride's maid. The family then moved to Chicago for Robert to finish his studies at McCormick Seminary. They ministered to communities in Kansas City, MO where son Donald was born (1956); Indianapolis, IN where daughter Roberta was born (1957), and Winchester, IN. While living in Winchester, Rheba received her Masters Degree in English from Ball State University. They settled in Cincinnati, OH in 1965. Rheba happily returned to teaching English/Reading at Hughes High School. (1967–1985). When students complained that they were bored she would say "You can never be bored if you know how to read!." Rheba continued her teaching career at Aiken High School (1985-1991). Not just teaching her students, but also influencing their lives in other ways: encouraging them, advising them, listening with a willingness to expend the extra effort to contribute to their successes. She worked for several years on an Aiken project designed to help good students from poor families get into College. Coaching them in college applications and interviews. Even driving some to their interviews. Having grown up poor herself, she said " I identify with these kids". Kids who were the first in their families to graduate high school or go to college despite minimal funds She received several awards during her teaching career; Outstanding Staff Member, Hughes HS 1975-1976; Outstanding Service to Hughes HS 1967-1977. Partnership for Excellence Award 1990; and Award of Appreciation for Dedicated Service, Aiken HS 1991.
Upon retiring from the Cincinnati Public High School system in 1991, Rheba received a large brass apple inscribed Distinguished Teacher Service Award. Cincinnati Public Schools. The Mayor of Cincinnati, David Mann, declared Rheba Clark Day with a key to the city. City and Board of Education officials attended her retirement party May 30th, 1991. When asked about retiring she said "I quit teaching for 12 years to raise my family. The first day of school the next fall, I sat on my porch and cried when I saw the kids going back to school". She loved teaching and loved her students.
Rheba was a member of Presbyterian Church USA - at Mt Auburn, Plainville/Calvary Church, and most recently, Immanuel. After retirement Rheba made the same commitments of time and generosity in various ways. At Church. In her Neighborhood of Paddock Hills, and at Llanfair Retirement Community. Cooking for the Lighthouse Shelter. Welcoming newcomers, baking cookies for the kids, babysitting. Passing out doughnuts and coffee at Cinti V.A. Hosp with the OKI chapter of the Ex-POW's. Proud to be a participant in The Women's Health Initiative Research Study from 1994-2016. Proud to donate blood at Hoxworth Blood Center several times a year since the 80's. One of her many gifts was to see and anticipate the needs of others, and quietly help them in ways that put everyone at ease. She balanced all these activities with an introspective and private disposition exemplified by her prayer life and her life-long devotion to her poetry, which she rarely shared.
Rheba was a remarkable, sensitive, generous woman who will be missed by family and friends. Whose life can be compared to the fable of The Blind Men and the Elephant. None of us knows of all the lives she touched during her life. One of her last statements was "I have always felt that God was with me".
Rheba is survived by her husband of 61 years Robert J. Clark; children Lawrence (Debi Hanks) Clark, Donald (Mary) Clark, Roberta Clark (Michael) Hoffman; grandchildren Adam Clark, Amanda (Benny) Shirley, Olivia Hoffman, Justin Ashton, Taylor Hilaman; great-grandsons Sean Clark, Jesse Clark, Gavin Ashton; sister Joyce Roberts; many loving nieces and nephews, and many friends and colleagues.
Words she strived to live by…."Be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" First Timothy 4:12
We had been planning her 90th Birthday for June 13th. Now we will be rejoicing her life. Anyone who wishes can write their favorite "Rheba " story in a birthday card and bring to her memorial/mail to her house.
Memorial Service is scheduled for June 13, 2016, 11AM, at the Wells Chapel at Llanfair Retirement Community. 1701 Llanfair Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio 45224
To share a memory of Rheba or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.