Maribeth Christensen Clarke passed away July 24, 2023, at her home in Cedar Hills, Utah, after years of health challenges. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March 13, 1956, to Robert and Verda Mae Christensen. Maribeth has always been determined and optimistic. She was often heard to say, “I love my life.” even when it was difficult.
Maribeth was the fourth of eight children, which also included Elliott (Jennifer), Clayton (Christine), Milton, Spencer (Barbara), Bradley, Nancy Ruth (Warren), and Carlton (Cathy). As a small child, she always wanted to help. She was determined to keep up with her brothers and enjoyed working with them and her precious dad frequently at ZCMI. She was kind to and often looked after her younger siblings and loved playing house.
At West High School, she excelled in all areas of Home Economics and was a Sterling Scholar. She loved the lifelong friends she made as Pep Club President. Working at Brighton and Oakcrest LDS Girls Camps as KD, Head Cook, and Assistant Director gave her many opportunities to develop her culinary and leadership skills.
Determined to be among the best in her field, Maribeth attended Brigham Young University. Upon graduating, she taught at Timpview High School. She served as a missionary, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission. She graduated with her Master’s Degree from BYU in 1983.
In her professional life, Maribeth taught as a professor at Ricks College in their Home Economics Teacher Education Department. She taught core classes in Sewing, Cooking, Interior Design, and Historical Architecture. She received her Doctorate of Philosophy from Utah State University in 1996. With her PhD in hand, she took a position and in 1990 she taught at Brigham Young University. She later taught at the University of Phoenix and did concurrent enrollment classes for the Granite School District.
When she moved back to Utah, she reconnected with Michael Clarke, whom she had dated as an undergraduate. This time their relationship grew and they were married on July 25, 1997, in the Salt Lake Temple. They made their home in Cedar Hills, Utah. They served in many callings in their ward. Maribeth used all her talents in the Relief Society presidency, teaching Gospel Doctrine and writing the ward bulletin. She found joy and creativity in being Primary President. Maribeth was always using her skills to hem a prom dress, alter clothing for herself and others, and making sure a wedding dress fit perfectly.
For the last ten years of their lives, Michael and Maribeth struggled with their health. They were both wheelchair-bound but were determined to live life as best they could and continued hosting gatherings with friends and family. They worked hard to help Michael’s children, Havilah, Jonathan, Katherine and David enjoy their time, especially holidays, at their home. When their grandson Christoph was born, he brought a new level of joy to their lives. Michael died in January 2020. Maribeth continued to face every day with great faith and optimism because she loved life and her savior Jesus Christ.
Maribeth’s family wishes to express deep appreciation to members of the Cedar Hills Fifth Ward, to her doctors, and healthcare workers for their many hours of service to her. We are especially grateful to the Kurt Bryant family, who continued to mow Maribeth’s massive lawn and fix things, and to the Fazulyanov girls who helped with laundry. We extend our gratitude to close neighbors who drove Maribeth to doctor appointments, put away groceries, shoveled walks, and came running at a moment’s notice to rescue her in a times of need. Special thanks go to her nephew Daniel and his wife Danika who lived with her these last years and lovingly cared for Maribeth.
Maribeth was preceded in death by her husband Michael, stepson David, her parents, and brothers Milton and Clayton Christensen.
A gathering to visit with friends and family will be held Monday, July 31, 2023, beginning at 1:00 PM. Her funeral service will be at 2:00 PM. at the Cedar Hills Fifth Ward chapel, 4355 West Cedar Hills Drive (10100 North), Cedar Hills, Utah 84062. There will be a family luncheon immediately following the service.
You may watch a recording of the service online through Zoom using the following link:
Maribeth loved flowers but instead, you could do some work in her yard.
Interment will be held Friday, August 4th at the Salt Lake City Cemetery at 10:00 AM. Enter the cemetery at 4th Avenue and N Street, then proceed east on Grand Avenue to just east of Center Street (10th East). Funeral services are under the direction of Larkin Mortuary, 260 E S Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111.
We were so sorry to hear of Maribeth's passing. Our condolences to the family.
Sending our sincerest condolences to your entire family. We loved Maribeth and love you all. May you all feel peace and joy even in your loss.
Maribeth was a dear friend for many years. I will greatly miss our long phone conversations.
I’m sorry for your loss.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Maribeth when Michael passed away. I was able to sit down with her for quite a while and loved getting to know her, her story and her positive attitude despite circumstances. We shared several phone calls since and always had great conversation. My condolences to your family at her passing. What an incredible lady!
This was beautiful to read. What an accomplished wonderful woman. I hope I meet her on the other side.
My dad had a saying on his desk I vividly remember : Greater than Gold of Kings are Memories of Happy Things!! So many great memories of Michael and Merideth and Family. I was fortunate in my travels to be able to stop by the house with just a short notice and they were always so gracious with there time and often fed me as I was passing through to my many destinations . Passing on Pioneer Day is so appropriate for Maribeth
Love you all Mikes cousin Steve Clarke the brother he never had and my older brother I never had
To Maribeth's family - Though the connection wasn't good enough to hear the whole funeral by zoom, I did get Maribeth's message of how she loved life in spite of physical trials! She had many of the physical problems my own sister has and so my heart went out to Maribeth! We love her so much and she had a great impact on our children when she was a Primary President here in Rexburg. Maribeth was so humble, a fabulous cook (I have some of her recipes and yet she asked for help once in Relief Society learning how to make pie crusts). She was also a professional seamstress, a great leader and compassionate friend. One year when I was ill, Maribeth cooked my family a whole Thanksgiving meal in the Rick's College kitchen! What an over the top amazing woman! And then she sewed a dress for me when one of my children were married. Maribeth was always ready and willing to fill a need. We will always remember our dear friend Maribeth! The Lord surely loves her! May you feel His peace as you bid a temporary farewell to your beloved Maribeth!