Iva Ruth Clifton Stilwell

Iva Ruth Clifton

Iva Ruth Clifton Stilwell, 85, of Roanoke, died peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2009, at her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ruth Clifton; and her brothers, Marvin G. Clifton, Jewel D. Clifton and Elisha B. Clifton. Surviving are her sons, Gordon W. Conner and his wife, Beth Ann Conner, and Gary D. Conner and his wife, Janis Conner; her husband of 15 years, D. Quinton Stilwell and his children, Virgil L. Stilwell and his wife, Linda B. Stilwell, Anita Fay Minnix and her husband, Randall Minnix, Deborah J. Crouch and her fiancé, Richard Thurman, and Brenda K. Thomas and her husband, Jay Thomas; brother, Elbert (Ebo) Clifton; sister, Rhoda Kemp; 12 grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Iva retired from General Electric after 29 years service. Known as "Iva Sue", she was a member of the Fiddle and Banjo Club and played bass fiddle for the Original Orchard Grass Old Time Band and numerous other bands for many years until just months before her passing. She was well known and loved by musicians and friends all over the United States and abroad. Mrs. Stilwell was a member of Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church, 3106 Red Rock Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018 or the American Cancer Society, 2840 Electric Rd., Roanoke, Va. 24018. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel. Elder Thomas Mann will officiate. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at Oakey's North Chapel, 362-1237.