On December 14th, 2024, Dora Belle Clark, 94, of Kirksville, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home with her three children by her side as she entered into Heaven.

She was born on May 5, 1930 near Milan Missouri, the daughter of William Glen Steele and Zulah June (Davis) Steele. On August 20,1950 she was united in marriage to James Paul Clark, who preceded her in death in 1996. Also preceding her in death were her parents, two brothers, Glen Junior Steele and wife Lottie Steele, Warner Steele and wife Shirely Steele and one infant sister, Ella Mae Steele, one niece Cheri Steele and one nephew Terry Steele.

She is survived by her two daughters, Paula June Kutmas of Joplin, Missouri; Tami Lynn Ruebel and husband Derek Reubel of Kirksville; and one son Steven E. Clark of Kirksville; grandchildren Chad Justin Kutmas and wife Tracie of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Megan June (Kutmas) Bokina of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Janelle Leigh (Clark) Williams and husband Scott of Berthound, Colorado; Jordan Paul Clark and wife Hannah of Windsor, Colorado; Shelby Lynn (Barber) Gieselmann and husband Dustin of Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Blake James Barber of Longmont Colorado. Ten great grandchildren, Christopher, Nicholas, and Benjamin Kutmas; BreighAnna, Jayden and Paige Bokina; Ruby Belle and Finn Clark; Davie Belle Gieselmann and Graham Williams. She is also survived by 17 of her 19 nieces and nephews, six of which she was a second mother to, Billy, Pam, Greg, Ronnie, Janet, and Kevin Steele.

Dora Belle received her elementary education in rural schools of Sullivan County. She graduated in 1947 from Milan High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and Master of Arts Degree from Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State University), Kirksville, Missouri.

Prior to college graduation, she began her teaching career in a one room rural schoolhouse at the age of 18 for one year, then two years in the fifth grade in the Milan Public schools. She then joined her husband who was in the Army at Ft. Belvoir, Virginia in 1952. She worked as a secretary in the Secret Service for two years at the Engineer Research & Development Laboratory while residing there. She began teaching Business Education at Novinger High School in 1957 and taught there for six years. In 1962 she received the Northeast District Outstanding Business Teacher Award.

In 1964 she became a member of the Business Education faculty at Northeast Missouri State University (Truman State University) where she taught for twenty-three years. During her tenure at Northeast, she taught a number of different subjects and helped implement many new programs. She was instrumental in paving the way for pregnant faculty women to be able to teach in the 1960’s. Her being the first woman to continue teaching while pregnant without having to reapply for her position. She believed passionately in women’s rights and advocated for them. Additionally, she assisted in facilitating access for disabled students through ramps and elevators for access to attend school long before the Disability Act. The last ten years of her tenure, she chaired the Medical Assisting program teaching primarily medical assisting administrative courses paving the way for medical assistance internships.

In May of 1987, she retired from teaching to relocate with her husband in Hannibal, Missouri. She was recognized at the 1987 May Commencement exercises for her Outstanding Contributions to Business and Office Education, Vocational Education and Medical Assisting during her tenure at the University. She was also granted Instructor Emeritus of Business & Office Education by the Board of Governors. During her educational career, she held membership in local, state and national professional organizations. She was also a member of Delta Zeta Sorority, Pi Omega Pi (national honor society of business education) Delta Kappa Gamma (honorary association for women educators), and American Association for University Women.

After the death of her husband in 1996, she moved back to Kirksville in 2001 to be close to her family. Dora Belle was an active member of organizations both in Hannibal and Kirksville. She was a member of Kirksville First United Methodist Church since 1957, Kirksville Garden Club, P.E.O. Chapter CZ, Third Contemporary Club and Sojourners Club. She was very dedicated to the mission of United Methodist Women and served a total of 17 years as President in Hannibal and Kirksville.

She took great pride in tending to her yard, meticulously caring for every detail, and finding joy in the beauty of her many flowers. Her dedication did not go unnoticed, earning her the prestigious “Yard of the Month” awards both in Kirksville and Hannibal, as well as numerous Horticulture Awards at flower shows. Beyond her gardening, she had a special fondness for decorating at Christmas, transforming her home into a festive haven filled with warmth and cheer. A gifted seamstress, she also poured her heart into creating quilts, each one a labor of love, designed to be cherished by her family for years to come. Her hands touched everything she made with care, and the legacy of her craftsmanship and attention to detail will live on in the beauty she left behind.

She dedicated herself fully to her chosen career of teaching, finding purpose in guiding young minds, but above all, her heart belonged to her family. Preparing food and homemade candy for the holiday gatherings at her home was her way of nurturing those she loved, creating a sanctuary of warmth and connection. Whether it was making memories with her children and grandchildren or offering her boundless affection to her nieces and nephews, she radiated love in all directions. A devoted mother, grandmother, aunt, and loyal friend, she touched each life with kindness and grace. She instilled faith and values in her family and led by example. She will be deeply missed, never replaced, and always in our hearts. She was our Angel on Earth and now she is our Angel in Heaven.

Funeral Services will be on December 21, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Kirksville with Rev. Jennifer Finley and Rev. Jim Robinson officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 with service to follow at 1:00p.m. Graveside immediately following at Park View Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks, if you wish, you may make a donation to P.E.O, Chapter CZ for continuing education to be left at the church.

Pallbearers: Chad Kutmas, Jordan Clark, Blake Barber, Scott Williams, Dustin Gieselmann, Derek Ruebel. Honorary Pallbearers: Billy Steele, Gregory Steele, Ronnie Steele, Kevin Steele, Jimmy Pundmann, Tim Clark, Wilford Slaughter, Dr. Robert Dage, P.E.O. Chapter CZ.