Marcia Jean Clone

Marcia Jean Clone, age 84, passed away peacefully at her home in Cedar, Michigan, on June 2, 2026.

Born on October 22, 1941, in Somerville, New Jersey to John and Edna Hannon, Marcia moved with her family to the Lansing area as a child. She graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1959 before attending Michigan State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1963 and later completed a Master’s degree in Environmental Education.

During her high school years, Marcia met the love of her life, Gary Clone. They married in 1965 and shared more than four decades of love, partnership, laughter, and adventure. Together they raised three sons Eric, Kristofer, and Shawn and built a family that remained the center of Marcia’s life. Whether traveling the country, exploring the outdoors, or gathering around the family table, Marcia found her greatest joy in the people she loved. Though Gary passed away in 2009, the life they created together remained one of her proudest accomplishments.

Teaching was not simply Marcia’s profession, it was her calling. She began her career with Lansing Public Schools, where her gift for connecting with children quickly became evident. In 1978, she and Gary realized their dream of moving to northern Michigan, settling in Williamsburg. Soon afterward, Marcia joined Elk Rapids Public Schools, where she spent many years teaching third grade. To generations of students, she was more than a teacher; she was an encourager, a guide, and a champion of curiosity. Her classroom was a place where children felt valued, inspired, and excited to learn.

Marcia believed deeply in giving back to her community and devoted countless hours to causes she cared about. She volunteered with the National Cherry Festival, the Traverse City Film Festival, and the Leelanau Christian Neighbors Baby Pantry. Her passion for environmental education led her to serve as a guest teacher with the Inland Seas Education Association aboard the schooner S/V Inland Seas and at the Grand Traverse Conservation District’s Boardman Nature Center. Her faith was equally important to her. Through her involvement with United Methodist Women and Church Women United, she found meaningful ways to serve others and was honored as “Church Woman of the Year” in recognition of her dedication and compassionate spirit.

A lifelong lover of nature, Marcia’s appreciation for the outdoors began in Girl Scouts, where she earned the prestigious Curved Bar Award, the organization’s highest honor at the time. That love of exploration stayed with her throughout her life. She visited all 50 states, as well as Europe, and delighted in discovering the beauty and history of new places. America’s National Parks held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every opportunity to experience them.

Those who knew Marcia will remember her remarkable intelligence, her kindness, her adventurous spirit, and her endless curiosity about the world. She had a gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and heard. Whether she was teaching a child, helping a neighbor, volunteering in her community, or sharing stories with family and friends, Marcia led with compassion and grace. Her influence reached far beyond her own family, touching the lives of countless students, friends, and community members over the years.

Marcia leaves behind a legacy of love, service, learning, and stewardship. She is survived by her sons, Eric (Melissa), Kris (Charlsey), and Shawn (Brittany); her nine beloved grandchildren; her sister, Nancy Vertalka; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Marcia will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

A memorial service will be held on July 11, 2026 at 1pm with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church with a light luncheon to follow. - 5750 Williamsburg Rd, Williamsburg, MI.

In lieu of flowers, Marcia requested that memorial contributions be made to the Inland Seas Education Association⁠, whose mission is to inspire a lifetime of Great Lakes curiosity, stewardship, and passion in people of all ages. Donations may be made through the association’s spring giving campaign: Donate in Memory of Marcia Clone⁠

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