Nellie K. Clark, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Tuesday evening, April 14, 2026, at home.

Nellie Kay Edwards was born on June 20, 1946, to Sanford Tony and Ethel Marion (Chase) Edwards. She was raised with strong family values and a warm spirit that remained with her throughout her life. Nellie was a graduate of Maquoketa High School.  In December of 1971, she married Paul Clark, and together they shared many years of life until his passing on February 4, 2001.  She then met Dave Bean and they were together for many years until her passing.

Nellie was a hardworking woman who spent her career serving others in a variety of roles. She first worked as an aide at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa, where her caring nature was appreciated by those around her. She later worked at the Sawmill in Oxford Junction before beginning a long career at Pacific Coast Feather Company in Maquoketa. Nellie eventually retired from Walmart, where she worked for Sunbeam.

Outside of work, Nellie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed watching the birds and driving around “hunting” and watching for deer. In her younger years, she liked playing Euchre and also enjoyed going to the dog track with her siblings. More than anything, she treasured time spent with her family, and those moments brought her the greatest happiness.

Those left to honor her memory include nieces who were like daughters to her, Dixie (Randy) Shady and Nelly (Bill) Edwards; honorary grandchildren, Dixie (Kyle) Sandlin and Tina Edwards; siblings, Sandy (Barb) Edwards of Charlotte, Iowa, Joan Manning of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Linda Said of Maquoketa, Iowa; several other special nieces and nephews; and her significant other, Dave Bean. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Paul, brothers Walter and Willard Edwards, and sisters Jane Manning and Nancy Mortenson.

A private family graveside service and burial will be held at the Streets Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, IA.  There is no public visitation.  The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Nellie K. Clark memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.