Clarissa Lenor Makin Kirk

Clarissa Lenor Kirk peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. Clarissa a.k.a. "Mugs", a nickname given to her by her father, was born October 23, 1938 in Santa Monica, California to Ervin Wendell Makin and Elizabeth Leone Harris. Clarissa was the older sister to Renee.

Clarissa grew up in Southern California playing with friends, jumping roping, lying on the beach enjoying the sun, hiking, camping, popular music of the day, singing, and also played the accordion. Clarissa was blessed with a sweet and charming personality engaging in conversation with people wherever she went. She loved to laugh, and was blessed with a hilarious sense of humor.

Clarissa attended Paramount High School in Southern California. She was a pretty young woman that caught the eye of many potential suitors but she had her eye on a quiet boy in her choir class. Together they sang in a sextet called The Dreamers, even appearing on television. 

Clarissa married her high school sweetheart Glenn Kirk on July 3, 1957. In the early years of marriage, Clarissa worked at Bank of America and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft while Glenn completed his college education. They welcomed their first child, Douglas, in 1959 followed by Susan in 1962. They raised their family in Southern California.

Clarissa was able to be a stay-at-home mom and loved being a homemaker. She cleaned the house, washed and ironed the clothes, cooked the meals and doted on her two children, Doug and Susan all with a smile on her face. She served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as a Primary Teacher, Stake Primary Presidency Counselor, Young Women's President and any position she was asked to do. However, her favorite calling was as a Visiting Teacher. 

Clarissa was a gentle but powerful influence on her husband Glenn who eventually joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1971. Together they completely dedicated their life to the Lord and found joy in serving. 

Clarissa was struck with a life long disease, Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) at age 26. The disease slowly invaded her life but she never once complained, ever! Even though her mobility was taken from her in her later years, she always had a smile and showed interest in others to the very end of her life.

Clarissa was preceded in death by her father, mother, and husband Glenn.

She is survived by son Douglas (Maria); daughter Susan Stidham-Waltman (Randy); sister Renee Bevington (Jim); grandchildren: Morgan Powell (Russell); Austin Stidham; Devon Jones (Jake); Matthew Kirk; Alexa Kuehne (Blake); great-grandchildren: Van Jones; Scarlett Stidham; Wesley Jones; Brodie Jones; Oliver Kuehne; Charlotte Kuehne; Lenor Jones; Allison Powell; Samuel Powell.

Funeral Service is Friday, July 26 2024 at Memorial Mountain View, 3115 Bengal Blvd., Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Viewing from 9:15am - 9:45am., Funeral at 10:00am.