Margaret Clark, 96, of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at St. Francis Manor in Grinnell and under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor Ron Bryan officiating. Interment will be in Rock Creek Cemetery west of Grinnell.

Visitation will be held prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 9:30 am.

Memorials may be designated to the St. Francis Manor Foundation or to Care Initiative Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Margaret's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Margaret Lellus Durr was born the daughter of Edward and Mary Jane (Peak) Durr on April 18, 1927 in Rock Creek Township in rural Jasper County, Iowa. She was raised on the family farm and attended country school near her home. She graduated from Grinnell High School with the class of 1945.

Margaret was united in marriage to Junior William Morrison in November of 1945. The couple was blessed with three children: Linda, Daryl, and Karen. They raised their family in Grinnell. Margaret worked as a seamstress at the Glove Factory in Grinnell and as an administrative assistant at St. Francis Hospital in Grinnell. Their marriage ended in divorce.

Margaret was married to Dean Clark on May 1, 1967 in Grinnell. Together they owned and operated Duffy's Tavern in Grinnell and Margaret was the bookkeeper for Dean's business, Clark Brothers Painting. The couple enjoyed wintering in Florida and Texas. Margaret was a charter member of the Grinnell Eagles Auxiliary.

In addition to her sewing talents, Margaret had a deep passion for the outdoors. Gardening was her solace, a sanctuary where she nurtured a vibrant array of plants and flowers. Her green thumb brought life and color to her surroundings, creating a haven of beauty and tranquility. Margaret's love for the outdoors extended to camping adventures, where she found joy in the simplicity of nature and the serenity of starlit nights. The Iowa State Fair was an annual highlight for her, a cherished tradition that allowed her precious memories with her brother, Lloyd and his family. Her culinary talents were showcased in her knack for decorating cakes and making candy that brought joy to those lucky enough to enjoy them.

Margaret's enduring love and legacy lives on through her three children: Linda Conner of Orlando, Florida, Daryl (Connie) Morrison of Grinnell, and Karen Ford of Coralville, Iowa; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dean Clark; and her brothers, Lloyd and Donald Durr.