Virginia Jeanne Clifton

Virginia Jeanne Clifton, 93, of Peoria passed away at 9:52 p.m. Monday, February 19, 2018, at Sky Ridge Hospital in the Denver area. She died in her sleep, peacefully and gently, with her Colorado family by her side.

She was born on January 28, 1925, in Park Forest, Illinois, the daughter of Harold and Mabel Malone Greiner. She married Neil Clifton on May 20, 1945. After 49 1/2 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on November 20, 1994.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Walt Kastien; one sister; and one daughter.

Virginia is survived by her son, Eric (Rebecca) Clifton of Peoria; her daughter, Sarla (Richard) Thal of Englewood, CO; and two grandchildren, Tamara Clifton and Jordan Thal.

Mom attended high schools in East Peoria and St. Petersburg, FL, and graduated from Manual High School in 1942. Her beautiful singing voice led her to Illinois Wesleyan's School of Music. Mom loved her friends and classmates, and looked forward to "catching up" at class reunions every year at 3 different schools.

Like a typical 1950's couple, Mom was the "executive home manager" while Dad worked. Even while running the household and chasing us kids, Mom still found time to be an active volunteer for Proctor Service League, Kings Daughters, Wildlife Prairie Park and The United Way. She was a strong supporter of the First Christian Church, where, as an 85-year member, she served as Elder Emeritus. Mom and Dad were also rabid Bradley basketball fans, with season tickets for 40-some years.

A lover of all animals, Mom had a special place in her heart for her many dogs over the years. Even the neighbors' dogs strained on their leashes as they walked by Mom's house, knowing that this was the place where the "dog lady" always had treats to hand out.

Mom and Dad especially loved to travel. They'd load up the Buick and hit the road several times a year, traveling just about everywhere throughout the U.S. As fascinating as the road trips were for them, their favorite destinations were always the mountains of Colorado and and the beaches of Fort Myers, FL.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018, at First Christian Church. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, 2018, at Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home (Allen Rd. and Willow Knolls) and from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. The Rev. Karen Merrick will officiate. Burial will be at Secor Cemetery in Secor, IL, at 2 p.m.

Memorials may be given to her church or PAWS.

To view Virginia's memorial page or to leave an online condolence, please go to www.woolsey-wilton.com.