Mary Kay "Katie" Hamm Cloar

Dec 28th, 1939 - Jan 18th, 2020

Birth Date: Dec 28, 1939
Death Date: Jan 18, 2020
Funeral Date: Feb 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm
Location: Calvary Baptist Church, 57-- Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207
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Biography: Mary Kay “Katy” Hamm Cloar, 80, passed away on January 18, 2020, in her home with her husband, Ralph Cloar, Jr., by her side. A selfless, loving, and devoted person, Katy was completely committed to her family and church. Her laugh brightened every room and her stories warmed the hearts of her children and grandchildren. Above all, she enjoyed crafting, dancing, and spending time with her family—especially at the beach.

She was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church for 47 years where she served on many committees, but most cherished her time as a Sunday school teacher for babies and toddlers.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, she turned her experience into an opportunity to reach dozens of women who were similarly diagnosed. For many years Katy counseled, coached, and championed women along their difficult journey, whether as a resource for advice or just by simply listening. Most often, she used her story to encourage others.

A native Arkansan, Katy was born in Russellville to Mary and Ralph Hamm. As a young girl, Katy worked at her parent’s grocery store, Hamm Grocery and Market, and, in her free time, she would fish with her dad or ride her pony.

Katy was introduced to Ralph Cloar, Jr. through a mutual friend in 1957. They were married for 57 1/2 years and together had three children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Mary Virginia Struthers. She is survived by her husband, Ralph Cloar, Jr.; daughter, Lynn Cooper (Sam); son, Ralph Cloar, III (Kay); grandchildren, Jonathan Cloar (Sarah Beth), Julia Struthers, Haley Reilly (Luke), Mary Elise Cooper, Henry Cloar; and great grandchild, Connor Cloar.

Katy attended Arkansas Tech University where she graduated with a degree in elementary education. She went on to East Texas State and received a certificate in special education. Her first career was working with children at Easter Seals in Little Rock.

A special thank you to her loving caregivers Carolyn Reed, Natalie Williams and Anita Tagaloni Shook.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church (5700 Cantrell Road, Little Rock) with a visitation immediately following in the hospitality room.

Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 5700 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, AR 72207.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(11)

Ted Luft

#11

Feb 8th, 2020 8:04 am

Please accept my sincere condolences and know that God will carry you through this time of sadness and loss. You have always been a wonderful family friend . Although I didn’t know Katy well, I do know that her kind spirit and love for family will provide many precious memories for your family.
Family friends forever
Ted

Gene Franks

#10

Jan 28th, 2020 5:56 pm

Ralph, sorry for your loss.
Gene Franks

Ernie Oakleaf

Jan 27th, 2020 1:10 am

Ralph and family,

I am so sorry to learn of your terrible loss. Best wishes to you
all.

Ernie Oakleaf

William Shepherd

Jan 26th, 2020 1:23 pm

Dear Ralph,

I was saddened to learn this morning about your loss. Please accept my condolences. You could count on seeing me at the church next month if I weren't going to be out of the country.

Sincerely,

Willliam Shepherd

Gary Stephens

Jan 26th, 2020 6:56 am

Ralph, Lynn, and Ralph,III and your family: We are so, so sorry for your loss. We have known Ralph and Katy through their life of service in the law. In diverse places once or twice a year Lu and I spent a short while with them-- always humble and wise and a joy to know. We honor her for her life of service to Ralph, family, community, church and the babies and toddlers she taught about Jesus. Surely, Jesus welcomed her and heaven sang when she arrived.

James W. (Jim) Stanley, Jr. & Audrey Burtrum-Stanley

Jan 26th, 2020 6:46 am

Our dear friend Ralph, We join in expressing our sadness at learning of Katy's end-of-life. Having had this precious woman in your world, Ralph, has assured you a 'Life filled with Love.' Our special memory of Katy was when she donated to help distraught victims of Joplin, Mo's. tornado. The golden deed was a perfect Beatitude. It was a profound example for of her kind soul -- an 'Act of MERCY' / extending God's incredible compassion to strangers... Our humble prayers have already included all the Cloar clan and will into tomorrow's tomorrows..

Evans family

Jan 23rd, 2020 2:26 pm

We are saddened to learn about your family loss.
May the God of all comfort help to ease the pain of your grief. Thinking of you all.

Cecile Andry

Jan 22nd, 2020 10:18 pm

Though I have only known Katie because of my 75 year friendship with Ralph, and our common high school class reunions, I knew from our first meeting that she was the joy of his life. We only met at five to ten year intervals throughout the past 50 or so years, but I watched the events of her life, joys and sorrows, and how she weathered them. I always knew her to be a kind and loving wife, daughter-in-law, mother and grandmother. I know how much she will be missed by all those who love her.

Dorcy Corbin

Jan 22nd, 2020 12:03 pm

Ralph, It was an absolute joy to get to know Katy. She was one of the sweetest persons I ever had the privilege to know. The love you two shared was beautiful- what a wonderful example for your children and all who met the two of you. My prayers are with you and your family.

Myra Belle Miller

Jan 22nd, 2020 8:58 am

Ralph and family: Please know my heart is sad to learn of Katy's death. Just as she was so loving to others--she was deeply-loved by all who knew her. Thinking of you.

Myra Belle (Sally) Miller

Mary Ann (Francis) Smith

Jan 20th, 2020 5:44 pm

So sad to learn of Katie’s death. Have good memories of when we were neighbors on Nob View Cir. In Leawood.