Obituary of Denise Ann (Clark) Schmitt

Denise Ann Clark

As the Aspen tree grows in groves from a connected rooting system beneath the earth, so too does the love and giving nature of the recently departed Denise Ann Clark of Bay City, Michigan, whose contagiously brilliant spirit, kindness, and endearing smile have populated the earth through her 4 children, 3 grandchildren, and everyone that had the privilege of knowing her during her time on earth.

Denise “Dee” was born in Saginaw, Michigan on February 12, 1970. She attended Swan Valley High School, and returned to obtain her GED with her 3 sons in attendance at the graduation ceremony. Dee also attended Delta College, where she maintained a 4.0 GPA and was placed on the President’s List for academic achievement. Her pursuit of knowledge continued throughout her life.

Dee enjoyed a variety of professional pursuits, and gravitated toward occupations in the hospitality industry that allowed her to engage and help people directly. She worked for the women’s shelter Underground Railroad, H&R Block, Ameriprise Advisor Services, multiple local restaurants, the Bay Arts Council, and, most recently, Lucky’s Steakhouse, where she is highly regarded and remembered fondly by colleagues and management. She also spent many years working at her family’s bar, Ewald’s, in Saginaw, which she would refer to as “Deewald’s” on the nights she bartended.

Her hobbies included long road trips all over the United States, treasure hunting in thrift, antique, and flea markets, live music, and spending time with her friends and family. Denise would volunteer often in the local arts community, her favorite event being HHM Film Festival. Everyone who knew her adored her spirit, and she was known as “Mom” to all.

Denise passed peacefully in her home on March 17, 2023 surrounded by all of her children, sisters, mother, Dan Fish, and David Schmitt. Her battle with pancreatic cancer was short lived, but hard fought. She spent her final days under the care of her children, close friends, and family, with support from Compassus Hospice. She reflected fondly on all of her wonderful memories, and frequently communicated feelings of love and fulfillment in regards to her life.

Dee was predeceased by her father, Dennis Clark, and grandparents, Arthur and Catherine Gaus Clark. Her loving legacy will continue through her four surviving children, Justin (Elizabeth) Clark, Nicholas (Angela) DeyArmond, Christian (Erin) DeyArmond, and Jessica (Max) Schmitt; three grandchildren, Liam DeyArmond, Connor and Camden Clark. Also surviving Dee are grandparents, Charles and Ramona Werth; mother, Sheila Ewald; and three sisters, Mollie Heffernan, Heather Slick, and Jennie Saldivar.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 pm, Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Hyatt-Ewald Funeral Home, 700 N. Monroe St., Bay City, Michigan. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm, with a time for sharing happy memories and stories  from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that visitors planning an expression of sympathy consider contributing to the grove of Denise’s love by planting a tree in her honor, making a donation of money or school supplies to Kids In Need Foundation at www.kinf.org , or make a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org . In memory of her colorful spirit, the family also requests that everyone in attendance wear bright, colorful attire. To sign online guestbook, visit www.hyattewald.com  Arrangements made with the Hyatt Ewald Funeral Home.