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Billie Cluff Obituary
Billie Jean was a devoted wife, loving mother of three, proud grandmother of four, and adoring great-grandmother of eight - with countless "bonus" kids she lovingly welcomed along the way.
She was born on February 12, 1929 in Odessa, Texas, to William Gladstone Green and Bertha S Green. The youngest of three, Billie Jean was cherished by her older brothers - George and Frank - who always treated her like the star she was. Her sparkle shone early, winning first place in a Shirley Temple contest at just six years old. In her words, she was ""a ham ever since.""
She married her sweetheart, Lawrence ""Larry"" Cluff, on June 6, 1948 and they shared 52 wonderful years together before his passing in 2000. Their marriage was one of laughter, loyalty, and deep love.
Billie Jean was a dedicated educator, teaching children with special needs for many years. Her students adored her, and many continued to stop by her home - always greeted with a warm hug and a sweet treat, usually a sucker or Jolly Rancher she kept just for them.
A master of Southern hospitality, Billie Jean could often be found in her kitchen whipping up a comforting meal, making sweet tea for Larry, or prepping her famous homemade Southern Fried Chicken for a University of Utah tailgate. She believed good food was the heart of any gathering and the best way to bring people together.
Beyond her family and kitchen, Billie Jean had a generous spirit and loved serving her community - especially volunteering at the Salt Lake Soup Kitchen whenever she had the chance.
She is survived by her sons William (Colleen) Cluff, James Cluff, her four grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren and her bonus daughter Leslie Zacher. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Lawrence Reed Cluff and her son Vincent Reed Cluff.
A Memorial Mass in her honor will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Parking lot is under repair, please park on the street.
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