Marlene “Mollee” Clarke 1939 – 2021

Marlene was born to her parents Clarence and Florence Duckey on October 18, 1939 in Bishop, California. She entered into eternal life on March 19, 2021 at the Renown Medical Center Reno, Nevada at the age of 81.

Marlene was raised in the Owens Valley with her siblings: Brothers, Hubert, Howard and Gordon; along with her sisters; Beverly, Gertrude and Barbara. She attended school in Bishop and continued her education in the San Joaquin Valley. She then returned to Bishop and had her first daughter Lorena. Later she married Harold Clarke and moved to the Los Angeles area where they were joined by their first son Harold Jr.

While in Los Angeles she worked at the Long Beach Hospital as a nurses’ aide. Later they returned home to Bishop and had two more children Mike and Gina. After the death of Harold she continued as a single mother raising her children. Years later she gave birth to her last son Gordon.

Throughout the years, Marlene worked as a caregiver, caring for multiple members of the community while loving her position and providing the utmost care to her patients. She was also a dialysis van driver transporting patients to and from their treatment centers outside the Bishop area. After retiring, Marlene was blessed to then be able to care for her great-grandchildren while their parents worked. She would always be found up in the bleachers watching her great grandsons playing football or baseball and her great granddaughter playing softball. She also loved to watch them dance at the local Pow Wows in the Bishop area. All these children were the pride and joy of her life.

Marlene had strong beliefs and faith in God and was a lifelong member of the Valley Presbyterian Church.  She was a wonderful mother, sister, friend, auntie, Mϋa’a, Hϋϋtsi, and Ja’a. Her greatest attributes were nurturing, caring and being a close confidant to many with whom she would share her beliefs and values. She had many close family and friends who she loved and cherished.  She will be truly missed and forever loved by all that knew her.

Marlene is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Florence Duckey; Husband, Harold Clarke Sr.; Brothers, Hubert, Howard and Gordon Duckey; Sisters, Beverly Yandell, Barbara Jones and Lorena Duckey; Daughter, Lorena Rose Duckey Franco; Granddaughter, Michelle Williams; Grandson, Jimmy Williams; and Great grandson, Earl Williams.

She is survived by her sister, Gertrude Stone; Sons, Harold (Rosanna) and Mike Clarke and Gordon MedicineChips Sr.; daughter, Gina Clarke (Tony); All of Bishop. 13 Grandchildren, Rose, Johnny and Bo Franco, Aaron Brown, Sacena Gurule, Shuria Lewis, Gordon Jr., Lucian, Kaylan, Toowano, Anthony, WaSuYaa and Aka Sϋhϋbϋ MedicineChips.

23 Great-grandchildren: Alex, Andy and Dana Dick, Ka’Ahnee, Storm-mee, and Denzel Gomez, Diamond and Bautiste Carrillo, Lorena Franco, Jedidiah Manual, Arrow, John Wayne, Johnny and Sote Franco, Nayeli, Tewiss, Sheyellen and Evan Franco, Nosidϋtsi’, Panatϋ, Sanapi, LilyAnna and Zayden Lewis; aka’ Ja’a’s “Van Van”. 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, Lexie, Vaeda and Alaia Dick; Marlene is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

A traditional Crydance will be held at Sandra Warlie’s residence at 2260 Taboose Lane in Bishop California on Friday April 2, 2021 at dusk and a graveside service and internment will be held on Saturday April 3, 2021 at the Sunland Indian Cemetery at 11:00 am.

The family of Marlene Clarke would like to express their gratitude for all your prayers, love and support during this time of sorrow.