Mary Catherine Clapper Phebus, 79, died at home early Friday morning in Fayetteville, Arkansas where she had lived for the past 43 years. Mary was born in Duluth, Minnesota on August 7, 1941 and passed on May 21, 2021. She worked at several universities including the University of Minnesota, Stanford, Tulane, and the University of Arkansas. She also worked for the state attorney general in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and was part owner of a bar in the Sierra Mountains of California.
She is preceded in death by her parents Richard Thomas Clapper and Wilhelmina Zweifel Clapper.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years Roland “Stan” Phebus, son Tobias “Toby” Phebus (wife Mina), grandson Jayden “Duru” Phebus, brother Richard Thomas Clapper (wife Robin) of Pueblo, Colorado, and sister Sara Clapper States Caulk (husband Bob) of Fayetteville, and niece Gretchen States of New Orleans, Louisiana.
If you feel compelled to honor her life, please consider contributing to a local animal shelter, the Sierra Club, or the Democratic Party on the local, state, or national level. She believed in open and honest dialogue and respect for humanity above all else.
A special thanks to all the people at Willard Walker Hospice and especially the caring nature of her nurse, Alma.
The open forum celebration of life service will be held at Beard’s Funeral Chapel at 2pm Friday, June 4, 2021. Attendees are invited to share their memories of Mary. Weather permitting, a celebration of her life will take place following the service at the family farm.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
I worked with Mary at the U of A for many years. She was one of the funniest people i’ve ever known, often commenting on the craziness going on around us us with perfectly timed dry humor. She knew how to do anything or whom to contact to get it done. It was a joy and a privilege to know her.
Mary was the departmental staff administrator in Elementary Education when I worked at the University of Arkansas as a secretary for over 20 years as a secretary in that department. She was a stabilizing force in my work life as she navigated with confidence and unrelenting patience and endurance the many relational paths she had to walk with all those faculty above her (above only in title and pay grade) and the staff below her (who she never treated or made to feel below her in any way). She was one of a kind. I loved her dearly.
Cathy Weaver
So sorry for your loss. We only recently learned she was not doing well. I will miss running into her at The Attic and having a spontaneous half hour conversation. Best wishes. Nancy and Bill Ward
My dear friend Stan: Sincere condolences on your loss of Mary. Hard to believe it was 50 years ago when we met in Bridgeville, CA. Will always remember times in Louisiana and Fayetteville. Mary’s sense of humor and generosity was always welcoming. I’m glad I was able to talk to hear on the phone a couple of months ago to reminisce on the “good old days”. Linda and I send our love, Stan, and hope we can get together again in the future. As you said, honest dialogue is important.