On Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, Kelley (Clark) Pickard, passed away peacefully with family by her side.
Kelley was born on July 12, 1961, in National City, California, to Ernest M. Clark and Nancy LaMade Clark.
After graduating from Bryan High School in Bryan, Ohio, in 1979, she attended Bowling Green State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in recreation therapy in 1983.
It was during this time Kelley met the love of her life, Mark Pickard, to whom she would be married for 37 years.
Kelley joined Mark as a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Perrysburg, completing RCIA in 2004.
It was her recreation degree and her passion for helping others which led her to the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities on Aug. 15, 1983, where she began working as the Recreation Specialist for Wood Lane Industries.
On June 13, 1988, Kelley transferred to Wood Lane Residential Services where she worked until retiring in July 2022.
During Kelley’s 39-year career she was a dedicated advocate for individuals with disabilities.
It was also Kelley’s extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations that enabled her to ensure staff had the knowledge to provide the best possible care for residents.
Kelley forged some of her most cherished friendships with residents and staff.
Many people were comforted by Kelley’s listening ear, gentle demeanor and welcoming smile.
She spent many years learning and practicing the craft of stained glass. Many of her loved ones reaped the benefits of her beautiful work as birthday or holiday gifts that will continue to be treasured.
Those who knew her well, knew she also enjoyed the warmth of her microwaved rice bags, heated mittens, scarfs she knitted and her own homemade jam.
Although advanced multiple sclerosis took away her ability to continue creating, Kelley approached her health challenges like a champ.
Living with physical disability afforded her ample opportunity to be courageous in living her life to the best of her ability.
In the daily process of meeting life’s challenges, she valiantly met her fears and moved beyond them. We should all be that brave.
She is survived by her husband, Mark, along with Oscar, their loving sheep dog. Sisters, Susan (Darrell) Long and Amy Clark Cosner. Father-in-law, Bob Pickard. Brothers-in-law, Robert (Vickie), Richard (Kelly) and Michael, along with several nieces and nephews whom she loved to spoil.
Kelley was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law, Barbara, and faithful dogs Sadie Bell and Anna Bell.
Visitation will be held at Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, 1460 W. Wooster St., Bowling Green, OH 43402 on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 3-8 p.m. The funeral will be Friday, Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m. at St. Rose Catholic Church, 215 Front St., Perrysburg, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Knights of Columbus Council No. 7978 Charity Fund.
Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home is honored to serve Kelley’s family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.