Velma Darlene Clarke

With heavy hearts and grateful spirits, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Velma Darlene Clarke, on September 26, 2025, in her home in Bountiful, Utah. She was 92+ years old and surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren as she peacefully returned to her Heavenly Father and her husband Leslie Augustus Clarke.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Velma found her greatest joy in her family. She now rejoices in a long-awaited reunion with her husband and “heartmate”, Leslie Clarke, their precious daughter, Tammera Darlene Clarke, her parents and siblings who have gone before her.

Velma was born on November 22, 1932, in Claresholm, Alberta, Canada, to Otis and Artence Rice. She was the cherished sister of Millard, Lenny, Dreena and Bill Rice. She lived a life dedicated to her faith, her family and her friends. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served the Lord on missions with her husband in New Zealand and Niue, and was a caregiver to Prophet Ezra Taft Benson.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith and humor that will live on through her family: her children Telesa, Rick, Darren, Doug, Kenny, Chad, and Tracylee; her 17 grandchildren; and her 27 great-grandchildren, all of whom will miss her deeply and remember her sweetness with tender hearts and big smiles.

Services:

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, Utah.

A second viewing will take place on Thursday, October 2, 2025. from 10:45-11:45 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at the LDS Chapel, 1825 South 800 East, Bountiful, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.