LEONARD INSURANCE

58—Lewistown, PA

The Sentinel JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE

It doesn’t get any better

Keith and Kathy Clark

By GREG WILLIAMS

Sentinel correspondent

After speaking to Keith and Kathy Clark for this story, their grandchildren asked to tell their story from their point of view. Both stories are presented here; this is from the grandparents.

Keith and Kathy Clark are like most grandparents: They would do about anything for their grandchildren.

And like most, they thank their lucky stars that they have each one of them.

“I can remember dreaming about having my own family,” Kathy says. “When God blessed Keith and I with our babies, Scott and then later Kris (Clark Ritzman), our lives were complete.”

So, Kathy thought. That notion changed when first-born grandchild Tyler Clark arrived on April 14, 1998.

“He stole our hearts immediately,” Kathy says. “As we reveled in the joy of watching him grow, another gift from heaven came to be – Tyler’s brother, Bryson.”

Bryson was born on Nov. 16, 2000, to Scott and his former wife, April. Two boys, two different personalities, but “Pappy” and “Mammie,” as the Clarks are called by their grandkids, wouldn’t change a thing.

Kristen and husband Matt had the Clarks other two grandchildren. The next one and lone granddaughter, Paige Ritzman, was born Feb, 7, 2003,

“Paige knew what she wanted from day one,” Kathy recalls. “This little gal has always been true to herself, and we marvel at her beauty and self-confidence.

“Paige and I had many little tea parties during summer visits,” she adds. “How does it get any better than that? And little miss used to like to fix my hair and apply make-up. What fun!”

The Clarks can’t say “no.” The word just isn’t in their vocabulary.

“At one point in time Paige asked Pappy if she could have his soda bottle collection when he died,” Kathy says. “Keith just laughed and told her she could have them now.

“We had the opportunity to watch this little girl grow into a wonderful young lady, who will be getting married in September. And I had the opportunity to accompany Paige and her mother to choose her wedding gown.”

The grandparents are also looking to gain a grandson-in-law, Lance Brubaker.

And last but certainly not least, grandson Clark, Paige’s brother, was born on March 7, 2006.

“Clark has kept us all laughing and entertained for almost 16 years,” Kathy says. “He has a way of coming up with just the right statement to lighten the day. The little guy is now the tallest of

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Maelyn, left and Marissa Gingrich with their grandfather Dick. Gingrich

Continued from Page 56

Born and raised in Lewistown, Marissa and Maelyn have traveled far and wide, with their grandparents always in tow.

“COVID did not affect our relationship in any way,” Marissa says. “We interacted with all of our relatives — in person — the same exact way we did before the pandemic.”

Marissa and Maelyn believe that close relationship with both sides of their family has helped them in all that they do.

“We hope to have that same relationship with all of our families in the future,” Maelyn says. “To us, family is everything.”

LEONARD

Insurance Agency

One family, working for you since 1962 Home ~ Auto ~ Farm ~ Business Personal & Commercial

Ryan J. Leonard PO Box 213 2657 Industrial Park Road Mifflintown, PA 17059 717-436-6916 fax 717-436-8547 LeonardInsurance@gmail.com www.LeonardInsurance.net