I grew up in Las Animas county near the Baca county line. I attended Kim school for 13 years. I grew up on a farm and ranch learning how to drive a tractor, drive a truck, while sitting on a log chain hauling hay and tend to livestock at an early age. I lost my brother when I was 5 years old, leaving my parents with 4 girls. My parents custom harvested for 43 years. I made my first trip to Oklahoma when I was 3 weeks old and continued the harvest route each summer until I got married. I married Cody Clark during a snow storm in Kim on March 21, 1981. Moving to Karval wasn’t much different than Kim, the same small town love and everyone knows everybody and always willing to help a neighbor.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
Cody and I were blessed with 3 children. Jamie comes every day to help here on the farm. His wife Ryan teaches at Hugo school and their children Emma and Eli are learning to be good ranchers and farmers. Amanda works at McArthur Audiology in Burlington and East Central BOCES. Her husband Eric Stum owns his own flooring business, Hi Altitude flooring. Their children Kyler, Konner & Brynlee attend Hugo school. Ashley married Shaun Leonard and they live near Canyon TX with their children, Wyatt, Paisley and Maysa.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My first paying job off the farm was working at Big R of LaJunta during college. That lasted until I got married. I worked at Karval School as a PARA, which was both rewarding and challenging. I still have several titles, Farmer/Rancher/Lower L Feed Store manager/Mom/cook/maid/”go for”/GRANDMA! I love living on the ranch at Karval where it is quiet and peaceful.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Our once-a-month Friendship Circle lunches and Jean’s Family Kitchen in Hugo
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
Since being married, March 21, 1981
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Alice Webb and Betty Lee Bailey. They both always shared lots of the old history any time we visited. I miss them both.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
When I get to sit down, I watch the Chicago Fire, Med, PD shows. Maverick, since I got to see it in the Lincoln theatre.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Learn from your mistakes. Live life and enjoy!
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Middleton Store in Karval.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dolly Parton, I love her rags to riches stories and everything she donates to. I would cook her a meal at my house.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Loving how this community at Karval comes together in a crisis situation to help anyone. We host a food pantry once a month and have “the best” volunteers that spend 4-5 hours each time helping arrange the food for clients to pick up.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Hopefully a lot less stressed, but right here on the farm and ranch and playing “GRANDMA”
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I would love to travel.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My Health!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Blessed, Love & Family
