Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Clark’s family carries on her legacy through their love for agriculture, animals and each other. From left are her husband, David Spencer, daughters Chelsea Spencer, Blayne (Spencer) Arthur and Dr. Rosslyn SpencerBiggs, and grandchildren Kelton, 3, and Maguire.
T
Spencer, a 1974 animal science alumalk to three OSU alumnae, and you won’t hear any trace of bitterness nus who also works for the Oklahoma or anger. They’re all about life and living it to the fullest. Department of Health and Human That’s what sisters Dr. Rosslyn Spencer-Biggs, Blayne Arthur and Services. The family farmed, raised liveChelsea Spencer say their mom, Dr. Margaret “Peggy” Clark, would’ve stock, were active in FFA, 4-H and were wanted. Clark, who graduated from OSU’s veterinary college in 1978, well-known in the town of about 17,000. died in the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing. The girls won numerous awards in the Clark was a veterinary medical officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture show cattle and horse circuit, winning who spent most of her time in the field, and it was rare for her to be in the office, but state and national championships. Their events that day brought her to the downtown federal building. dad made sure they kept up with their “There aren’t a whole lot of options,” says Biggs, the oldest sister who is now a studies in school. They also had to chip veterinary medical officer with the governin with the family’s strong show horse ment like her mother was years ago. “We “I wish she could be here. and cattle business. could be angry. But it’s not going to make “It keeps you out of trouble,” Blayne anything better.” But we also feel very says. “We didn’t have time to do anything Rosslyn was 16, Blayne was 13 and fortunate that we had else.” Chelsea was 6 when their mother was her here for as long as we Clark, who worked for the racetrack killed 16 years ago. They relied on family, Blue Ribbon Downs before she went to friends and their tight-knit hometown of did.” — Blayne (Spencer) Arthur the USDA, was devoted to her family and Chickasha, Okla., for support. their horses. She always made an effort The sisters didn’t follow the trials or to involve her children in agriculture, and she instilled in them the need to do right by media coverage. They preferred to focus people and animals alike. She inspired Rosslyn to become a veterinarian. on remembering their mother, what she “I think seeing her work on animals and prevent or treat whatever ailment they had stood for and the values she passed on would be cool for any kid to get to see, especially if it’s your mom,” Rosslyn says. to them. “She really involved us with the profession of veterinary health. We got to meet Clark ran the family farm near Chickasha with her husband, David (continues on next page)
81