Couple Puts Ferncliff in their Estate Planning

Like many others, Clark and Jean Mowry decided Arkansas would be their retirement home. They were ready to leave behind their 400-yard driveway in North Central Iowa and all the snow plowing it required. Both had taught and coached in the public schools for 33 years. They both enjoyed golf among other hobbies so Hot Springs Village was a natural choice.

Soon after their relocation they became acquainted with Ferncliff through long-time supporters Ted and Janie Smith and through their church, the Kirk in the Pines. They themselves had met at a camp and had been summer camp counselors. They knew the impact camp could have. What they appreciated in particular about Ferncliff was its hands-on engagement in mission. They had been active supporters of Habitat for Humanity, disaster assistance, and a mission trip to San Salvador impressed upon them the need for organizations like Solar Under the Sun that trains volunteers at Ferncliff. At one point they had considered professional ministry, but God seemed to have a different calling for them. Through teaching, coaching and active involvement at church, they were positively impacting many lives. Jean remembers distinctly the day that her phone rang at 7:10am one morning on her way out the door for school. It was their pastor. He said, “I just want to share four names for you to pray about.” They were the names of four children adopted from Columbia. They were losing their single parent, adopted mother to a brain tumor. She wanted them to stay together. “Would you consider taking them in?” So began a five-year journey of caring for these children, on top of teaching and coaching. Later another was added to make it five teenagers in their home at the same time!

Jean and Clark are still very active. Their house in the village is a place of much hospitality and they cared for Jean’s mother for eight years. Says Clark, “We have been blessed and giving back is a way we can make a positive difference in the lives of others.” A concise vision statement from a church in Des Moines stuck with them because it resonates with their values: We agree to differ, resolve to love, and unite to serve.”

Although the Mowrys have many years ahead to enjoy in the Village, they decided to make a plan for their estate. They talked together about wanting to support institutions that will carry forth their values. In this process they decided that Ferncliff would be a recipient of a tithe of their estate. Through this future gift, their values of education, spiritual growth and mission will live on.

Thank you Clark and Jean for your current and future support of the mission of Ferncliff!