Katherine "Kathy" Arlene Clarke, 70, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Kathy was born on January 14, 1956, in Springfield, Missouri, to Catherine "Gusty" and Leroy Zweerink. She grew up in Springfield alongside her brothers, Jerry and Darrell Zweerink, where she formed lifelong friendships and cherished memories.

A graduate of Central High School, Kathy was a proud member of the Kilties. She continued her education at Missouri State University, then known as Southwest Missouri State University (SMSU), where she was an active member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority & graduated in 1978 with a degree in education & mathematics. On June 9, 1979, she married the love of her life, Thomas Clarke, at Hillcrest Presbyterian Church in Springfield, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than four decades.

Kathy's professional life reflected both her intelligence and versatility. She began her career as a teacher in Buffalo, Missouri and Harlingen, Texas, before working as a computer programmer & supervisor for Arthur Andersen in Chicago, Illinois. Following that she became a dedicated mother, raising her 3 children in the Chicagoland area. Throughout every chapter of her life, she approached her work with passion and a commitment to excellence.

She found great joy in pursuing her many interests. Kathy was an avid collector of Flow Blue China and antique treasures, had a passion for gardening, and devoted countless hours to extensive genealogical research, preserving family history for future generations. She also enjoyed skiing and embraced opportunities for adventure throughout her life.

Above all else, Kathy's greatest joy was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, daughter, and grandmother whose kindness, strength, and unwavering support touched everyone who knew her. She treasured time spent with her loved ones and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and lasting memories.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Thomas Clarke; her daughter, Rachael Dolan, and son-in-law, Patrick Dolan; her son, Derek Clarke; her daughter, Julia Burnstein, and son-in-law, Casey Burnstein; her cherished granddaughter, Sloane Dolan; and two grandsons who are expected to arrive soon, whom she eagerly anticipated welcoming into the family. She is also survived by her brothers, Jerry Zweerink and wife, Sandy, and Darrell Zweerink and wife, Linda, along with extended family and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Catherine "Gusty" and Leroy Zweerink.

Kathy will be remembered for her generous spirit, sharp intellect, love of nature and beauty, and, most importantly, her deep devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the memories her loved ones will cherish forever.

"You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart."

Funeral arrangements for Friday, August 7th, 2026, are through Klingner Cope Family Funeral at Rivermonte, with doors opening at 3:30 pm & memorial service at 4:30 pm.

 In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to National Down Syndrome Association via website or mail - National Association for Down Syndrome | Help NADS. To donate by mail, please send check to: National Association for Down Syndrome 1460 Renaissance Drive Suite #102 Park Ridge, IL 60068 https://www.nads.org/donations/