Vanessa Ranell Clark

Vanessa Ranell Clark, 50, of Mount Joy, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 12, 2026, surrounded by her loving family, after a short but courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born in Cumberland, MD, she was the daughter of Michael and Vicki (Bennett) Clower of Bruceton Mills, WV. Vanessa was the devoted wife of Cody Clark with whom she celebrated 30 years of marriage this past June 19th. A 1994 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, Vanessa dedicated her career to caring for children as the owner and operator of Pitter Patter Family Daycare. For many years, she lovingly cared for and helped shape the lives of countless children, providing them with a safe, nurturing, and joyful environment. To the families she served, she was far more than a daycare provider – she was a trusted friend, a source of encouragement, and someone who loved each child as if they were her own. The lessons, kindness, and confidence she instilled in the children entrusted to her care will continue to have a lasting impact for years to come. Vanessa’s generosity extended far beyond her home and business. She has a servant’s heart and quietly looked for opportunities to help others without seeking recognition. Each Christmas, she found great joy in purchasing gifts for children and families in need, helping to make the holiday season brighter for those facing difficult circumstances. She also faithfully adopted families through local churches, providing complete Thanksgiving dinners so they could gather around a full table and celebrate together. To Vanessa, giving was never an obligation – it was simply a reflection of the compassion and love she carried in her heart. Above all else, Vanessa cherished her family. Her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a wife to Cody and a mother to her daughters, Rylee and Reagan. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and service that will continue to inspire everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. In addition to her husband and parents, Vanessa is survived by her two daughters, Rylee Clark of Pasadena, MD and Reagan Clark of Mount Joy; her sister, Elissa Benton and her husband, James, of Montvale, VA; her in-laws, Jody Clark of Everett, PA, Schatze Young and her husband, Mark, of Everett, PA, and Selvi Clark of Gaithersburg, MD. A memorial service honoring Vanessa’s life will be held at the Sheetz Funeral Home, 16 East Main Street, Mount Joy, PA 17552 on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 5 PM. Family and friends will be received at the funeral home before the service from 4 PM to 5 PM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Speranza Animal Rescue in Vanessa’s memory. To send an online condolence, please visit www.sheetzfuneralhome.com The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Penn State Cancer Institute, Hospice of Central PA, and everyone who offered their love, prayers, and support during Vanessa’s illness.

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Vanessa Ranell Clark

April 8, 1976 - July 12, 2026