Alene Jane Clarke, 92, passed away April 2, 2026, at Meadowlark Hills, in Manhattan, Kansas. She was born July 19, 1933, in Great Bend to Cecil & Mary (Mull) Barger. She was united in marriage to Darrell Wayne Clarke June 14, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend.  Darrell passed away on December 10, 2007.

Alene graduated from Great Bend High School in 1951, then attended Kansas State University, pledging Delta Delta Delta Social Sorority. Following her education at KSU, she moved back to Great Bend and obtained employment at a local accounting firm and Howard’s dress shop. Alene soon joined her husband as co-owner, operator, and accountant of Clarke Well and Equipment, Inc., and in 1960 partnered with Darrell in operating Clarke Farms.  She proudly partnered in all aspects of the businesses and took pride in the legacy they built.

Alene was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church, former 4-H leader, and member of Liberty EHU. Alene had a keen eye for fashion and loved to go shopping. Her greatest treasure was her role as matriarch to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, instilling in them faith and hard work ethics.

Survivors include her oldest son, Brent Clarke (Debbie) of Great Bend, and his children, Brian Clarke (Brandi) and their children, Weston and Evan, Kevin Clarke (Kim) and their children Kelsey and Kinsley, Steven Clarke, Chris Clarke (Katie), and David Clarke; and Brent’s step-children, Ashley Howell and her children Jadyn and Jaycie, and Addie Axman; her second son, Clint Clarke (Darla) of Great Bend, and their children, Kyle Clarke, and Jenna Andrews (Aaron) and their children, Carter and Creed; her youngest son, Monte Clarke (Joan) of St. George; and their children, Matthew Clarke (Erin) and their children, Karson and Halle, and Jessica Fox (Chris) and their children Emerson and Brecken; sister, Shirley Likes; and sister-in-law, Kathy Barger. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 54 years, Darrell Wayne Clarke; brother, Wayne Barger; sisters, Iona Ramsey, Leila Harders; brothers-in-law, Erskine Ramsey, Delmer Harders, and Hank Likes.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Austin English presiding. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Visitation is available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., and a service of memory sharing at 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to Sunflower Diversified Services, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Rd.

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 4, 2026