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Margret Jean Davison Clem Barks, Bernalillo resident, age 89, passed away peacefully at The Montebello on Academy in Albuquerque on Thursday, November 18, 2010. Jean was a kind, creative, generous woman who found great joy in her life, her family and her faith. On May 6, 1921, she was born to Theresa Corrine Hathaway Clem and Harry Israel Clem in Kent Township/ Warren County, Indiana. Jean, her brother James Harvey Clem and her sister Francis Anne Clem Ritenour shared in the benefits and acquired the resourcefulness that came with growing up on a farm during the Depression. After graduating from Covington High School, Jean attended Western Women's College. She then transferred to Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she received her Bachelor's degree. While at Butler she met her future husband, John Patrick Barks, a soldier doing Army Air Corps training on the campus. They married at Jean's parents' farm house in Warren County in 1944. Jean worked as a County Agent in Indiana, helping people provide healthy meals and a positive home atmosphere for their families during difficult times. John was deployed to Italy during World War II. Following John's military discharge, the couple moved to Danville, Illinois where they raised their family. While in Danville, Jean was a child-care provider and a kindergarten teacher. She was an active member of Central Christian Church, a foster parent, and a Danville "Mother of the Year." Jean celebrated music, literature and art throughout her life. After retiring, Jean and John moved to Bernalillo, New Mexico. They enjoyed the town and the people who live there. Soon Jean became recognized for marking her birthday each year spreading happiness by visiting local businesses while dressed as a clown (a persona she created to entertain children in Danville). She was as comfortable camping by a lake as she was in the adobe houses she built for her and John and for her daughter Jami. Jean loved people, and through that love she conveyed a celebration of all life. Jean was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, John in 1994; her parents, Theresa and Harry Clem; and her brother, James Clem. In addition to her sister, Anne Ritenour, Jean is survived by three daughters and a son, Jami Hotsinpiller of Bernalillo, Janeen Barks of Bernalillo, Jill Bunting (David) of Bernalillo and John Timothy Barks of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Matthew Hotsinpiller, Heather Sanders Romero, Margret "Maggie" Bunting Hall, John Bunting and Tom Bunting; two great-grandchildren, Kiley Walkinshaw and Rylan Romero; and numerous other relatives and friends. Her love provided a cushion which allowed those around her to approach life without fear. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Monday, November 22, at Bernalillo United Methodist Church, 136 W. Calle Don Andres, Bernalillo. Family and friends are invited to attend the service, a reception at the church and the continued celebration at Jean's home. The celebration of Jean's life will then continue until 5:00 at her house at 1174 San Lorenzo, Bernalillo. Questions regarding the service or receptions can be answered by calling 804-6194 prior to 1:00 Sunday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to UNICEF at 1-800-FOR-KIDS (1-800-367-5437).
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