MUSCATINE, Iowa – Beverly Jane Clark Gear, of Muscatine, Iowa, passed away on December 11, 2022. Per Jane’s wishes there will be a Celebration of Life in the Spring.

Born July 3, 1931, in Boonville, Mo, she was the only daughter of Bill and Ruth Clark, and sister to Billy K. Clark and W. R. “Dub” Clark. Jane graduated from Boonville High School in 1949 having proudly been a twirler for the school marching band. Jane attended Chillicothe Business College, and her first job after graduation was at the FBI in Washington D.C. She made lifelong friends with her roommates at the boarding house they lived in and enjoyed exploring the nation’s capital and attending social functions. While working at the FBI, she met the handsome man that would become her husband. They were married March 15, 1953, in Boonville, Missouri.

Jane and husband Ron, moved to Ames, Iowa when he enrolled at Iowa State College. To help support his efforts, she worked as secretary to the Dean of Home Economics. She also took art classes at the college. Her creativity was evident in her ability to coordinate texture and color in her home decor and personal fashion. She was an excellent seamstress making fashionable clothing for her daughters, including proudly worn prom dresses.

Her husband’s career moved them to several different locations, until they settled down in Muscatine in 1968. Always willing to volunteer and serve, Jane generously gave her time as a Girl Scout Leader; registering people to vote through League of Women Voters; chaperoning countless scouting, church, and school activities; serving Grace Lutheran Church on Church Council for two terms, heading up various committees, and participating in Women of the Church groups. Jane was an active member of PEO and TTT, both women’s philanthropic organizations. She was especially proud of the young girls that she worked with in preparing them for camp. Her home on Mulberry became the site of a popular yearly fall attraction in Muscatine, the Apple Butter Festival, a fundraiser for the camp girls.

Jane enjoyed remodeling their home on Mulberry, gardening, and traveling; and developed a keen sense of fishing ability during the decades of summers she and Ron spent at their Canadian summer home, often times catching the largest fish, or the most fish. Jane was a confidant hostess in Muscatine, and at their home in Canada, frequently hosting groups that felt so comfortable, they stayed until late in the night laughing and playing cards. Many a great fishing story was made greater, and friendships were made stronger.

Jane was a loving mother to her four children: Randall Gear (Susan), Rebecca Whitmore (Tim), James Gear, and Cheryl Bluth (Tom). They have fond memories of her warm baked goodies waiting for them when they came home from school; and the ‘after church’ family meals as a time to share and bond as a family. Jane will be remembered for her compassion, kindness, love for her family and friends, her smooth abilities on the dance floor, and the pride she took in her children and grandchildren.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers. She is survived by husband Ronald Gear, son Randall’s four children and seven grandchildren; daughter Rebecca’s two sons and seven grandchildren; son James’ four children and two grandchildren; and daughter Cheryl’s two children.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Jane’s memory be directed to the family for the National T.T.T. Society, Kay Eng Fund, to provide scholarships to future Campers.