Alma Clark Millard

Alma Lou Morris Bickmore Clark Millard, Smithfield, Utah, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at Terrace Grove Assistive Living Center, January 1, 2016, in Logan, Utah. Alma was born to George R. and Florence Bessie Rosecrants Morris in Lincoln, Nebraska, April 18, 1922. In 1926, she and her parents traveled to Logan when the population was just over 9,000 persons. The plan had been to move on to Boise, Idaho, but the friendliness of the Logan residents and the beauty of the area convinced them Logan was the place to live. In 1942 she met and married William D. Bickmore. Their four children are William D. Bickmore, Jr. (Sharon) of St. George; Elizabeth Ann Hill (Mike), Ogden; Susan B. Gagnier (Cheryl), West Jordan; Stephanie Sorenson, (Roy); Hyrum. Their marriage terminated in 1965.
She married James “Jim” Beach Clark in 1966, and he died in 1987. She always claimed his three sons as her very own. They are James W. Clark (deceased); Brent H. Clark (Debra), Hyrum; and Steven K. Clark (Thea), Logan. Fused together, the family experienced many happy times on holidays, special vacations, boating and traveling.
She married John Burton Millard, January 27, 1989. Burt introduced her to square dancing and extensive traveling to many continents including Europe, Asia, and Hawaii, by ship, air, and land. While members of the Lace and Levies Club, they toured twice to 13 countries in Europe and sailed on a square dancing cruse. They traveled extensively to other countries and interesting places. Burt’s children are: Dr. John B. Millard (Karen) Dana Point, California; Steven Millard, Ozark, Alabama; Dr. Janet Millard Harris (Gary) Tempe, Arizona; Thomas C. Millard, Preston, Idaho. Their marriage terminated in August 1991.
In 1992, Alma moved to Logan, where she resided in Heritage Cove until 1995, when she moved to Smithfield, Utah. Burt and Alma remarried in 2002, were members of Smithfield 7th Ward and life time members of Utah State University Old Main Society
At age 5, Alma began developing the work ethic which would be a major theme throughout her life, by selling candy and fruit from her Radio Flyer wagon, she earned extra money, which was hard to come by in those days. While attending high school, Alma worked as an assistant to the Logan High School Secretary. She was always dedicated to doing anything she could to assist with family finances. During the summer after her graduation from Logan High School, she traveled to California to work as a secretary for the Windsor Shower Company. By the end of summer 1940, she had earned enough money to pay for teeth, which her mother Bessie needed. She returned home that fall to attend Utah State University (USU), with a major in Secretarial Science and Business Administration.
While attending college, Alma worked as a secretary for the Chair of the Zoo-Entomology Department at USU, and at various other secretarial positions. After attending USU for two years, Alma chose to pursue specialized education in mortgage banking, management, writing and social issues, by completing many mandatory correspondent courses through the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. She began her career in mortgage banking in 1944, as a file clerk and receptionist for Utah Mortgage Corporation. She took a brief break to work as Assistant to the Principal of South Cache High School, Hyrum, Utah, from 1950-1951. Then, resumed her career in the Mortgage Banking industry with only brief breaks during the times she gave birth to her 3 daughters. After forty years in the Mortgage Banking business, at age 62, Alma retired from Utah Mortgage Loan Corporation, with the title of Vice President and Assistant to the President, and Chairman of the Board, George Herbert Champ.
After her retirement from the mortgage banking industry, she obtained her Utah State Realtors License and became one of the staff at Gold key Realty. In 1987, after the death of her husband, Jim, the Board of Directors of George W. Thatcher Corporation elected her President. She served in that capacity until the sell and dissolution of the corporation.
Alma was a successful business women, even when it wasn’t popular for women to work outside the home. She never let the fact that she was a woman deter her from pursuing her dreams and aspirations and was always a fierce advocate for women, as well as others who needed her assistance. She also believed in the concept of giving back, which she instilled in her children. Volunteering was very important and amongst her most gratifying experiences. Her most memorable years were the 15 years spent volunteering at Sunshine Terrace Foundation. She shared the prestigious “Governor’s Silver Bowl” award with four other volunteers. Other volunteer activities include: Chairman of the Cancer and Heart Drive, and assisting in BPOE Elks Christmas Gifts for needy families each Christmas.
She was a charter member of Credit Professionals-International, Happy Valley Chapter, and was elected Credit Woman of the Year in both 1974 and 1985. One her most important accomplishments was becoming a Certified Consumer Credit Executive.
Alma’s former club affiliations include: Hyrum Saddle Club, Hyrum Jaycee Jills; Benevolent and Patriotic Order of Does, CWI Credit Professionals; Professional Secretaries Association, Logan Board of Realtors; Utah Association of Realtors, Toastmaster International and National Writers Club.
Alma is preceded in death by her parents, George R. and Bessie Morris, a brother Albert Morris and wife Reva, husbands James B. Clark, and John Burton Millard, son James W. Clark, Grandson Teryle Clark. She is survived by her children, William D. Bickmore, Jr. (Sharon) of St. George; Elizabeth Ann Hill (Mike), Ogden; Susan L. Gagnier (Cheryl), Layton; Stephanie Sorenson, (Roy), Steven (Thea) Clark, Logan, Brent (Debbie) Clark, Hyrum, eleven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Friday January 8, 2015 from 6-8:00PM and from 10:30 to 11:30 AM prior to the funeral service on Saturday, January 9, 2015 at noon at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, and Logan, UT. In honor of Alma’s passion for giving back, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Sunshine Terrace Foundation “Sunshine Group,” 248 West 300 North, Logan, UT 84321 or the charity of your choice. The family extends our sincere appreciation to Dr. Michael Stones and nursing staff, Sunshine Terrace and Terrace Grove Assisted Living Center staff, Sunshine Home Health/Hospice staff, and Intermountain Logan Hospital for the kindness and compassion given to mother in the final days of her life. Memories may be shared at www.allenmortuaries.net