Sandra Jean Clark Holmes, 65, of Perry, Iowa, passed away on April 29, 2024, after a valiant battle with glioblastoma. Sandy was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and she leaves behind a legacy centered on family and filled with unconditional love and adventure.
Born to Doug and Wilma (Clutter) Clark in Perry, Iowa, on Feb. 19, 1959, Sandy’s life was a testament to the values of family, hard work and joy in the simple pleasures of life.
From a young age, Sandy found joy in the great outdoors, embarking on countless camping trips with her parents and brothers, Jim and Larry. These early experiences laid the foundation for countless cherished memories with her family that included trips to the picturesque landscapes of Canada, Minnesota and South Dakota.
In addition to her love for camping, Sandy enjoyed playing softball and bowling. She played softball from 1966 to 1973. During that time, she excelled as a pitcher, catcher (until a finger was broken) and first base player under the coaching of her father. These skills were honed on the camping trips that Sandy recalled serving as informal pitching clinics.
Her competitive spirit continued with bowling, a passion she pursued from 1966 to 2013. Starting her journey at the Perry Bowl, Sandy funded her bowling endeavors by diligently washing laundromat machines after school. Her skills soon gained wider recognition, earning her a spot on Jim Zabel’s TV bowling program, “Let’s Go Bowling!” -– a moment she humorously remembered for the short-skirt incident that thankfully went unnoticed by her parents.
As the years went on, Sandy transitioned to bowling in adult leagues in Perry and Madrid and eventually began coaching the local junior bowling league in which both of her boys participated. Her leadership and enthusiasm for the sport had a profound impact on all the kids and adults she worked with, and she was really looking forward to sharing this passion with her grandchildren.
Sandy graduated high school in 1977 and attended AIB for six months before marrying Ben on Aug. 25, 1978. Together they created a life enriched by their mutual love of camping, which they joyfully shared with their sons.
Over the past year, Ben exemplified remarkable dedication in caring for Sandy, steadfastly honoring his vows with deep love and commitment.
Prior to joining the family business at Wil-Do Dry Cleaners alongside her parents, Sandy worked for Joy Poffenberger, Tom Holck Electrical, and Northern Natural Gas Co. In April 1992, Ben and Sandy purchased the Wil-Do Dry Cleaners from her parents, and together they dedicated themselves to the business until June 2020, cultivating a loyal customer base and lifelong friendships.
The adage, “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” perfectly encapsulated Sandy’s experience. She not only cherished her interactions with the best customers but also had the privilege of working alongside many dear friends throughout the years, including Dee Strait, Theresa Salts, Liz Eastman, Cindy Kelley and Dawn Moffett.
Sandy’s legacy shined brightest through her family. Her proudest achievements were her children and grandchildren. Dusty, born Jan. 26, 1982, excelled as an Eagle Scout, bowler and baseball player before marrying Rachael Terrill on April 23, 2006. Together they welcomed Penelope (Penny) on Aug. 30, 2010, and Clark on May 5, 2017.
Matt, born April 4, 1986, was also an Eagle Scout, an avid bowler and a baseball player. He and his wife, Erin Paulsen, who married on June 16, 2012, expanded their family with the arrivals of Tucker on June 22, 2014, and Thayer on June 8, 2018. If there was anything that Sandy loved as much as being a mother, it was being a grandma. Her unwavering love and pride for her family knew no bounds.
Over the course of their marriage, Ben and Sandy had purchased six campers, and she cherished every memory made in each of those campers. Early expeditions took them to South Dakota, Colorado and Lake Okoboji, while later years were spent closer to home at Don Williams or Sportsman Park with close friends Tim and Chris Hall.
Sandy instilled her passion for camping in her grandchildren, sharing memorable excursions with Penny and Tucker and eagerly anticipating similar experiences with Clark and Thayer.
In addition to her camping adventures and supporting her grandchildren’s passions, Sandy made time for her other hobby: crafting. She possessed a remarkable flair for crafting, ranging from wreaths and tumblers to stained glass and Christmas ornaments, often leaving behind a creative whirlwind in her craft room.
Sandy’s passing was preceded by that of her parents, Doug and Wilma Clark; and her in-laws, Ben Sr. and Helen Holmes; along with several family members and dear friends.
Sandy’s absence will profoundly be felt by all those who loved her, including her husband of nearly 46 years, Ben; her sons, Dusty (Rachael) Holmes and Matt (Erin) Holmes; her grandchildren, Penelope, Clark, Tucker, and Thayer Holmes, whose lives have been indelibly shaped by her wisdom, laughter and boundless love; her extended family, including her brothers, Larry (Janet) Clark and Jim (Kathy) Clark; her nieces, Erin (Mike) Finigan and Kris (Andy) Lenaghan; her nephews, Ryan (Tamara) Clark and Bryan (Julie) Clark; and members of the Holmes family, including her sister-in-law, Nancy (Darrell) Emmert; and nieces, Mashell Emmert, Erica Ritter and Melissa Bickel; and many other relatives and friends who loved her dearly.
Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society or the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Sandy’s name or sent to the Hastings Funeral Home in Perry. Online condolences may be left at hastingsfuneralhomes.com.
