Mrs. Clark was born in Independence on April 14, 1932 to George A. and Alice Lillian (Baker) Whitesell. She was a 1952 graduate of Whitesville Central School. One rainy day, while walking on her driveway, the ice cream delivery man offered her a ride up to the house. His kindness caught her attention and on May 28, 1954, at the Parish Hall of the Alfred Seventh Day Baptist Church in Alfred, Reva married this ice cream delivery man and the love of her life, Carl E. Clark, who preceded her in death on April 27, 2024.
Reva primarily devoted her life to the nurture of her family, giving selflessly for many years until she took an outside job at ACES Dining Services in Alfred and later worked as a cleaner and janitor for Alfred State College, retiring in 1987 after 20 years of service. On both ends of her Alfred years, Reva worked part-time for Kent Farms in Andover trimming Christmas trees and harvesting potatoes in addition to helping her husband on the family farm during haying season and gathering and stacking firewood.
Reva is survived by three daughters, Carol (Jim) Richmond of Andover, Lois (Harold) German of Elmira, and Kathy (Kevin) Bentley, also of Andover; nine grandchildren, Bradley (Teresa Sparatta) Richmond, Nathan (Gretchen Ingalls) Richmond, Kelly (Tony) Cavagna, Sharon (Kyle) Roberts, Jessica (Chris) DeCamillo, Scott (Alanna) Bentley, Shelly (Seth) Grant, Samantha (James) Ferro and Garrison (Chase) German; 20 great grandchildren, Hailee Richmond, Adalynn Richmond, Alexis Cavagna, Julie Cavagna, Carly Cavagna, Logan Roberts, Cora Roberts, Ella DeCamillo, Maya DeCamillo, Emma Bentley, Alice Bentley, Matthew Bentley, Willie Grant, Lydia Grant, Drew Grant, Bella Sparalta, August Sparatta, Anthony Sparatta, Paige Ingalls and Clayton Ferro; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Along with her husband of almost 70 years, Reva was preceded in death by 14 siblings, Effie (George) Erickson, Clarence (Frances) Whitesell, Lawerence (Vesta) Whitesell, Tressie Whitesell, Helen Whitesell, Elsie Whitesell, Irving (Edith) Whitesell, Robert (Hester) Whitesell, Goldie (Oliver) Keough, Glen (Mary) Whitesell, Alvin (Maxine) Whitesell, Allen (Anna) Whitesell, Rita (Richard) Blow and Francis (Marge) Whitesell and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Reva loved her role as homemaker. She sewed many of her daughter’s dresses which made quite a fashion statement at Andover Central School’s Fashion Show with their matching outfits. She loved to knit and crochet as attested to the countless blankets, sweaters, mittens and hats she produced. As a fund raiser for Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville she crocheted many newborn hats and mittens for the cause.
Christmas was a big event in the Clark home. Reva loved keeping the dining table well stocked with cut-out cookies, ribbon candy, popcorn balls and fudge. It was also a time of giving to others which included a box of Christmas cheer to one of her brother’s children. For Reva, Christmas and other events such as birthdays and other holidays allowed her to spend and celebrate time with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Reva was a member of the Andover Golden Agers, Eastern Star and was a Girl Scout leader for several years.
Friends are invited for visitation at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover on Tuesday (December 17) from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday (December 18) at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Philip Barner of Andover Alliance Church officiating. Burial will take place following the funeral service in Valley Brook Cemetery in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Reva’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 726, Andover, NY 14806.
