Caroll Ann Clark

Caroll Ann Clark, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 in Zanesville, Ohio. She was born on February 17, 1947 in Modesto, California to the late Herb and Geraldine (Adams) Hildreth. On August 3, 1969, she married Robert L. “Old Bob” Clark, they spent 52 loving years together until his passing on June 6, 2021. He was born on May 21, 1943 in Cottage Grove, Oregon to the late Robert L. and Edith (Jobe) Clark-Duncan.  Robert was a cowboy and foremost a gentleman.  After graduating in 1961 he went to Farrier school, traveled the Rodeo Circuit for fun, and worked any cow camp that would have him.  In late 1965, going on 23, he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  His tour of duty was spent in Thailand as “Company Clerk” with top secret clearance.  All his missions were black ops.  This would later contribute to his death and the V. A.’s deniability of his being in combat.  In 1967, when his 2 yr. hitch was up, the Army was not going to release him due to the lack of soldiers with his clearance and abilities.  With this knowledge, Robert turned in his secrete clearance.  Within 12 hours he was   honorably discharged and headed home to Oregon.  Robert’s three loves was his family, music, and animals.  He was a natural born drummer, especially the snare drum.  They say he took after his great- great grandfather, James Plunkett.  Robert taught himself rhythm guitar, while stationed in Thailand.  That is also where he wrote his first song.

Caroll Ann graduated from Las Molinos high school, in Northern California in 1965.  She went on to enroll in Beauty College.  Just before graduation she developed a condition that caused her arms and hands to go numb when raised above chest height.  All though, unable to complete her courses to graduate, she kept her family and friends beautiful with her talent and knowledge.  She and her family moved back to Yoncalla, OR., where they lived for a time while she was in elementary school.  She worked several odd jobs but loved to cook.  She went to work at the Big Burger.  She also worked in a bar/diner called the Detour owned by Robert’s Aunt Freda.  This is where she learned how to manage a restaurant and kitchen.  These skills were instrumental in her becoming known throughout Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona as a Ranch Cook and Starting the cafeteria service at Ash Fork School in Arizona.  Unbeknownst to Caroll Ann, Robert would often go to a ranch looking for work only to be denied until he would ask, ”Do you know Caroll Ann Clark? Well, I’m her husband.”.  He would get her hired and then he would just go out with the cowboys and work until they saw his talent and would eventually put him on the payroll!  They had 54 years of adventure; 52 of those married.  Robert said, from their first date, she was the one he was going to spend the rest of his life with.  They both were very giving and family oriented; they were always willing to lend a helping hand to any family, friends or strangers that they encountered. They also enjoyed music together, Robert would play an instrument and Caroll would sing. Robert even recorded music and poetry at one point.  Through all the trials of life, there was always overwhelming love!  Love for each other, their children and grandchildren, family, friends and strangers.  If you were a part of their life, you knew you were loved!

Together, they are survived by their children, Roxann (James) McCann and Robert Vincent Clark; grandchildren, Robert, Laura and Rabecca Clark, Michael Hammond, Eddie, Sam, Jake and Michaela Colgan and a couple great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Shannon (Kent) Bernard, Braque(Suzanne) Hildreth and their children, Treva(Robin) Mays, Michelle Feela Sabin, Joe Coons and Katie Jackson. Caroll is survived by her brother, Herb(Cheryl) Hildreth and sisters-in-laws Diana Davison and Robbi Feela. Robert is survived by his sister, Donna Jean Duncan; Uncle, Tom Plum and cousins, Kitty Jo(Joe) Coons, Gary(Sharon) Duncan, and Donnie Jackson.

Along with their parents, they are preceded in death by Caroll’s brother, Walter Hildreth.

A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 10th, 2022 starting at 11am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Coshocton, with Fr. Bill Hritsko officiating.

A cremation will take place with the Miller-Kaser Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Miller Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses.