Martha Gean “Marty” Clark, 94, died June 13, 2026, at Legend of Hutchinson. She got her start in life June 6, 1932, southeast of Sylvia. Her parents were George William Hudson and Ellen Phoebe Yeager Hudson. They were a hardworking couple who managed to feed her three brothers and a sister from a very large garden and dairy farm.
Marty’s oldest brother was Lee Vincent Hudson, second brother was Joe Yeager Hudson, and youngest brother, George William Hudson, Jr. spent their growing up years on the farm. Their mother, Marty’s sister, Mary Ellen, and Marty did the household chores and much of the gardening. All the children were schooled at Sylvia Grade School and Sylvia Rural High School.
Marty’s brothers Lee and Joe, in their later years, worked on the A. Lewis Oswald Farm, northeast of Hutchinson. Marty’s brother, George Willam served in the European Theatre during WWII while in the United States Army. After graduating from Sylvia High School, Marty and her sister attended Bethany College, Lindsborg.
Marty had wonderful teachers at Sylvia. Mrs. Nina Morris was the most gracious and generous in getting Marty off to a good start in the music field.
Marty’s dad was killed in a tragic automobile accident. After his death, Marty’s world turned the wrong-side out.
Marty’s first marriage was to James Jennings, a career Navy man. Most of the 15 years of marriage was a real struggle raising three great sons, William Dean Jennings, James Dewey Jennings II, and Michael Lynn Jennings. Marty suffered another tragedy March 23, 1987, losing her son, James Dewey in a terrible incident.
June 3, 1972, Marty entered marriage with Ronald E. Clark, a machinist for Krause Plow.
For seven years, Marty was employed as a machinist at Cessna. She also worked two years at Amy’s Hallmark, and 27 years as an organist at one of the local churches in Hutchinson.
Marty traveled to Russia twice and went on many cruises, which made her life exciting and interesting. Other interests included gardening, from which the Hutchinson Horticulture Club was born, sewing, rock collecting, and singing in the Reno Choral Society.
Marty also was involved with Youth Friends and the Big Sister Little Sister organization, which was so rewarding to her. In addition, being a concerned environmentalist, Marty belonged to the Sierra Club and the World Wildlife & National Wildlife Federation.
Marty is survived by: her son, William “Bill” Jennings; stepchildren, Marc Clark (Debbie), and Vicki Reddy (Jamey); numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and one step-great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving are Mariah, her little sister from the Big Sister organization, Linda Stegman, a very close friend, Jerry Belton, a close family member, and Irene Owston, who gave Marty so much needed help in later life.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Ron Clark; sons, James Jennings and Michael Jennings; brothers, Joe Hudson, Lee Hudson, and Bill Hudson; and a sister, Mary Ellen Roberts.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2026, at Elliott Chapel, with Chaplain Derek Shore officiating. Burial will follow in Sylvia Cemetery. Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary.
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In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
Marty’s final thoughts on God’s great earth were we are put here to help one another, so let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16