Dorothy Baitz Clark

Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God has done through His servant Dorothy.

Dorothy Marie Baitz Clark was given life by her creator and was born in Old Glory, Texas on July 16, 1928, the firstborn of Fritz and Emma (nee Tredemeyer) Baitz.

On July 29, 1928 she received the gift of Holy Baptism at Zion Lutheran Church in Sagerton, Texas and became a child of God. On August 2, 1942, she publicly professed her faith and was confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Sagerton; and she received the precious gift of the Lord’s life-giving body and blood in the Sacrament of the Altar. Her Confirmation Verse is 1 John 2:15.

God blessed Dorothy’s life with many special people as she served God in her vocations as a wife, mother, grandmother, church member, work, and as a member of the community. She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church. She served her church as a Sunday School and VBS teacher. She was also participated in the choir, Walther League, and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was instrumental in organizing and directing the handbell choirs at Faith Lutheran in Sagerton and Zion Lutheran in Abilene.

She grew up in the Old Glory community, graduating from Old Glory High School in 1945. She was valedictorian of her seventh grade class as well as her senior year.

After working for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Stamford for a year after graduation, she received the gift of a beloved companion in her spouse, Joe Clark of Sagerton on June 23, 1946 at Zion Lutheran Church. Joe and Dorothy farmed and lived their entire married life in the Sagerton community. God also blessed them with the gift of children: Patsy, Ray, and Peggy.

She learned to drive a tractor as a teenager as she helped her widowed mother and siblings operate their farm in the Old Glory community. This knowledge helped in her later years as she helped her husband with his farming operations. To help supplement the farming operation, she worked as a hairdresser, grocery store operator, gin and grain elevator secretary, and was employed by Jones County Implement Co, Stamford Hospital, and Stamford Electric Cooperative, where she retired in 1993 after 11 years of service with them.

After retirement, Dorothy worked part-time for Teakwood Manor Care Home, Stamford VIP Center, Heads or Tails Western Wear, and Key Scientific Products.

Dorothy conceived the idea for the famous Sagerton Hee Haw in 1971, writing the script and directing it for 14 years. The show grew by leaps and bounds, bringing thousands of people from across Texas each year for a night of laughter, home cooked food, and fellowship.

The Clark home was a favorite place for all kinds of entertainment. The Clarks were always hosting square dances, fish and dove fries, birthday and office parties, and invitations were always in the form of a poem written by Dorothy. Whenever a special occasion arose, one could always count on a party at Joe and Dorothy’s home.

Besides being a gracious hostess, Dorothy loved to make quilts, afghans, bake bread, make jelly and can pickles to share with relatives and friends. She attributed these talents to her special mother who instilled good working habits in all her children.

Finally, on December 23, 2022, at the age of 94 years, 5 months and 7 days, God blessed Dorothy with a holy death and took her home to rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead.

Awaiting her arrival in heaven are her grandparents, parents, her husband, Joe of 58 years, a grandson, two brothers, two sisters, and numerous other family members and friends.

Her survivors include:

C hildren: Patsy Bivins of Haskell, Texas; Ray Clark (Nancy) of Stamford, Texas; and Peggy Adler (David) of Elkhart, Texas

6 Grandchildren: Tom Bivins of Hondo, Texas; Emmalee Bivins of Haskell, Texas; Phillip Clark (Jennifer) of Leasburg, Missouri; Chad Jordan of Odessa, Texas; Anna Willis (Jeremy) of Elkhart, Texas; and Christopher Adler (Amanda) of Dallas, Texas

11 Great-Grandchildren : Chambray, Cassidy, Calee Phemister of Haskell, Texas; Mikala Clark of Argonia, Kansas; Megan Clark of Hawaii; Brittany (Brandon) Cotton of Sagerton, Texas; Colton Willis of Huntsville, Texas, Texas; Emma (Dakoda) Westbrook of Elkhart, Texas; Jenna Willis of Elkhart, Texas; and August Adler of Dallas, Texas; and Ashleigh Jordan of Odessa, Texas.

3 Great-great Grandchildren : Cole Cotton of Sagerton, Texas; Athena Clark of Argonia, Kansas; and Clara Cotton of Sagerton, Texas;

Visitation: Jan. 3, 2023 5:00-7:00 pm; Tankersley Funeral Home 807 S Columbia, Stamford, TX . Funeral Services: Jan. 4, 10:00 am at Zion Lutheran Church,  2801 Antilley Road, Abilene, TX; Rev. Clyde Kieschnick officiating. Burial at Fairview Cemetery, Sagerton, TX, Haskell County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to any of the following:

• Lutheran Hour Ministries (660 Mason Ridge Center, St. Louis, MO 63141)
  • Zion Lutheran Church Debt Retirement (2801 Antilley Road, Abilene, TX 79606)
  • Fairview Cemetery Fund, % Jill Brown, 1730 FM 1661, Sagerton, Texas 79548

Online condolences may be made and viewed at www.tankerlseyfuneralhome.com