Claudia Otten Clark

Claudia Otten Clark, of Zionsville, Indiana, passed away November 20, 2022.

She leaves behind her children, Carolyn Miner (Mike), Andy Clark (Laura), and Arcy Clark (Stephanie); her brothers, Mark, Carl, and Rich Otten; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her husband Ron and parents, Claude and Lois Otten, preceded her in death.

Claudia was born May 24, 1942, in Indianapolis. She graduated from Shortridge High School and then from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. She later earned a master’s degree in history from Boston University. She taught history at Arsenal Technical High School for several years before moving to New York, where she and Ron lived for three years before returning to Indiana. They settled in the countryside outside Zionsville, where they raised three children and enjoyed gardening and living in the woods. Claudia loved her flower gardens and kept busy each summer canning and freezing vegetables. After several years of being a full-time stay-at-home mom and community volunteer, Claudia embarked upon a new career. She graduated from IUPUI law school and then practiced law for the next 10 years. Upon retiring, Claudia devoted her time to her grandchildren, volunteering at the Eiteljorg museum, baking, and gardening. She was active in the Indiana Organic Gardeners Association and the Indianapolis Hiking Club. She logged over 3,600 miles with the club and spent most family vacations out west hiking in the mountains. She recently said that her favorite memories were of being out west hiking with Ron. Claudia is much loved and will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her love of nature, and her curiosity about life. Many are thankful for having known Claudia and for the impact she had on their lives.

On Monday, November 28, visitation will be held from 10 AM – noon, followed by a funeral service at noon at Simplicity Funeral Home, 125 W. Sycamore St., Zionsville, IN, with burial immediately following the service at Indian Creek Hill Cemetery in New Market, IN. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the National Park Foundation, https://www.nationalparks.org/, or 1500 K St. NW, Ste. 700, Washington, DC, 20005.