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BETH CLUFF Obituary
Gainesville, FL. Beth Allen Cluff went home on Saturday, March 24, 2012. She was born in Alameda, California on December 26, 1922. Beth grew up, lived and was educated in Salt Lake City, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and was the first graduate to receive a degree in Early Childhood Education.
She was married to Leighton E. Cluff, MD in 1944 and they moved to Washington DC where he went to medical school, and she taught at the National Child Research Center and the Sidwell Friends School. In subsequent years, she worked in the Medical Library at Duke University in Durham, NC and the Welch Medical Library at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD.
In Gainesville, Beth was a member of the University of Florida Women's Club, and the University of Florida Medical Guild. She was active in the late 1960's as a volunteer in the public school libraries and helped develop an organization called Citizens for the Public Schools. She was an active volunteer and participant in the Friends of the Library throughout her adult life.
Beth is survived by her eldest daughter Claudia Cluff Kalis, her husband Ken Kalis, grandson Jonathan Edwards Kalis and granddaughter Patricia Beth Kalis (all residing in Gainesville, FL). In addition, her second daughter Patricia Cluff Hallmark and her husband Ron Hallmark who live in Charlottesville, VA.
Beth was blessed with friends and family throughout her life including, but not limited to, remarkable friends, "adopted daughters," nieces, nephews, cousins and their extended families.
A memorial service will be held at The Village Tower Club Auditorium/Ballroom on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the University of Florida Performing Arts Center at PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL or to the Friends of the Library, 130 N. Main Street, Gainesville, FL.
Arrangements are under the care of WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME DOWNTOWN, 404 North Main Street.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
WILLIAMS-THOMAS
DOWNTOWN
(352) 376-7556
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Memories and Condolences
for BETH CLUFF
Craig Paxman
April 28, 2012
Dear Family of Beth,
Beth and I "met" by phone and email as she helped me in my research for the Eggertsen book last 2010-11. She was helpful, open, gracious, and alert! Wonderful to talk with. Craig Paxman, Cottonwood Heights, Utah
Marilyn DeLoach
April 9, 2012
Dear Family of Beth, What a lovely woman! She hosted my sister and me while we visited our Auntie Marilyn, her neighbor at the Village. We loved staying up late with her talking about her wonderful life! She made us feel so welcome and made yummy coffee and treats in the morning. My sister pulled the alarm in the bathroom and caused a ruckus which which we all laughed about the next day. Her guest room with lovely furniture was warm and welcoming. We felt so special...because that is how she made us feel. Blessings to you as you continue this journey on earth...until we all meet again. Best, Marilyn Smith-DeLoach
Coleen Crary
March 31, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss...She was a truly wonderful lady.
March 30, 2012
Dear Trish and Claudia,
Your mother was an incredibly special lady and such a wonderful friend to my mom. I always enjoyed my dinners at her house...she was the consummate hostesses. We shared many good conversations together. I admired her greatly. Love, Nancy Baxter
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Kim Goldsmith
March 29, 2012
You mother was a beautiful woman both outside an in. I am so sorry for your loss. I love you and Ron very much and know you are in my thoughts.
Clark & Pam Fogle
March 29, 2012
Dearest Bether - Pam and I will always think of you as our Surrogate Mom. You were a very special friend/buddy to our mother Marilyn Fogle in The Village. Your laughter and love of life made you special to everyone. Save a Skyy Vodka for us for when we meet again.
Clark & Pam Fogle
March 29, 2012
Tricia and Claudia--My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your mom was a remarkable and inspiring woman. I was blessed to have know her. Barbara Jaffe (jacksonville, Fl)
Kathy Divis
March 28, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. Know that my prayers are with you and Ron. My condolences and my love.
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Williams-Thomas Funeral Home Downtown404 North Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
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