Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1933
DIED
2020
FUNERAL HOME
Clifford DeGraw Obituary
1933 ~ 2020
Clifford Foster DeGraw, 86, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020, with his loving family by his side in his Holladay, Utah home. Cliff was born July 19, 1933, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Clifford Eugene DeGraw and Florence Ruth Bowen. Cliff married Judith Ellis, and they had four children. He married Nancy Jane Turner on April 10, 1974; they were later sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple. Nancy had two children and together she and Cliff had three more children.
Cliff is a graduate of Spanish Fork High School and served a church mission to the Netherlands. He dearly loved the language and traditions of the Dutch people, and he incorporated them into his life.
He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Brigham Young University and was a lifelong Cougar fan. Throughout his years in school, Cliff treasured the summers he spent working and managing the lodges at Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyon National Parks. Cliff had a highly successful career as an administrator in the Granite School District, where he was a beloved principal for 36 years. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully in many callings. Most recently, he cherished his time serving in the Salt Lake City Temple Baptistry and as a Guest Service Missionary on Temple Square.
Cliff is survived by his loving wife Nancy and his children Stephanie DeGraw, Spencer DeGraw (Julie), Bart DeCoster, Natalie Moyle (Henry), Madelyn Meier (Brent), Robb DeGraw (Jennifer), Matt DeGraw (Deanne), Gavin DeGraw and Doug DeGraw (Randi), his siblings Monte DeGraw (Janice), and Marsha Nash (Allen). His love and legacy of family were the joy of his life and included 21 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Due to COVID -19 a private family funeral service will be held at Wheeler Mortuary in Springville, Utah, Saturday, July 11th. For friends or family wishing to join the service virtually, a live broadcast will be available at www.wheelermortuaries.com starting at 10:45 a.m.
Following the funeral, Cliff will be laid to rest at the Spanish Fork City Cemetery at 420 S. 400 E. Friends and family are invited to attend the graveside services, which will begin at approximately 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Granite Education Foundation Fund granitekids.charityproud.org/donate (2500 South State Street, D-108 Salt Lake City, UT 84115), or The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Perpetual Education Foundation, (1450 N University Ave. Provo, UT 84604) philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/in-memoriam .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clifford DeGraw
Sponsored by Wheeler & Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Homes - Springville.
Michele DeGraw Stribling
July 12, 2020
Love my Uncle Cliff!! So many wonderful memories of spending time at Grand Canyon and Bryce when Cliff managed these parks. As a small child these were magic times and places. So fun spending time with my cousins and family.
Celia Cutler
July 11, 2020
I was sad to see the passing of Cliff. I worked with him in Granite School District and had a high regard for him. He was always friendly, pleasant, and fun to be around. He will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family.
Ernie Doose
July 10, 2020
Dearest Nancy and family,
Cliff was an amazing friend and an inspirational influence in my life. We were a great team at Libby Edward Elementary. Thanks for the memories...!
And so the years will pass, our friends will come and go. And that's why we hate saying adieu, to the ones who are so tried and true. But we must, tho' it's - "JUST FOR NOW"
Gaylon Howell
July 10, 2020
I worked at Westbrook Elementary for several years and was taught and guided by Cliff, our amazing principal. A man that I so admire, his intellect, educational skills, ability to work with children,adults and parents were so outstanding. I send my appreciation to him for the many lives that he has influenced in countless ways. May the Savior's peace and love bless you at this time and always.
Dan Minnick
July 10, 2020
Matt and family, Im so sorry for your loss. Its hard to loose a loved one whos such a great part of you! Your father was a great man and Im so sorry for your loss. May God be with you until you meet again. Sending love and prayers your way.
Dan Minnick
Dan Minnick
July 10, 2020
Matt and family, Im so sorry for your loss. Its hard to loose a loved one whos such a great part of you! Your father was a great man and Im so sorry for your loss. May God be with you until you meet again. Sending love and prayers your way.
Dan Minnick
Randy Shaw
July 9, 2020
Our condolences to you and your family, Nancy. We remember Cliff for his genuineness and wry sense of humor. God bless you.
Randy and Joan Shaw
Joe Hansen
July 9, 2020
I love Cliff(y) and Nancy!! We shared so many great conversations together. He always felt like family to me. His great sense of humor and sparkle in his eyes when he told funny stories. I loved spending time with him. Cliff, thank you. Even when I moved away, I thought of you often and always appreciated you. Love you forever!
Shawn Ferre
July 9, 2020
So sorry to hear that Cliff has passed. He is a wonderful man. Larry and Carol are probably there reminiscing with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May the Lord bless and comfort you all.
Shawn & Michelle Ferre
Bonnie Despain
July 9, 2020
Dear Nancy,
I saw notice of Cliff passing in the paper. What a wonderful summary of his life. You can't quite capture that twinkle in his eye, but the photo came very close. Please know I am thinking of you and wishing I could give you a hug. I have so many fond memories of you and our time together - nice Cliff could be part of those, too.
Much love,
Bonnie Despain
Pat Dent
July 9, 2020
Mr. DeGraw was our 5 children's principal at Woodstock Elementary. I spent many hrs. at the school helping the students, that is when Mr. DeGraw suggested I get a job as an aide, which I did and have loved every minute teaching and helping students to read. Mr. DeGraw became a very good friend and mentor to me.
I am sad to see he has left us.
With love and gratitude, Pat Dent
Arthur Cox
July 9, 2020
Cliff was a good friend and a good fellow Granite Administrator. While I was principal at Granger High School Cliff server two weeks as a substitute assistant principal. One day I saw Cliff limping in the halls. I asked him what happened and he said he slipped on the ice at Granger and broke his leg. I said, Cliff what are you doing here, you need to go home. His reply was classic Cliff, I did not want to tell you because you would have sent me home."
Shari Payne
July 9, 2020
Nancy I was so saddened with the loss of your sweetheart. Bob and I had so much fun cruising , going to out of state BYU games and many other fun fun times. Cliff was a dear friend of Bob and Gwen Payne. I considered him a friend as well. You both are loved by many .
JoAnn Phillips
July 9, 2020
Cliff was a Spanish Fork High School friend that I loved and admired. I enjoyed his ongoing friendship through the years. He will be greatly missed by us all. But I will probably see him there in the near future and continue that friendship. What joyous news the Gospel is!!!
Susan Rasmussen
July 9, 2020
he was an amazing Principal and Friend.
Mary Kay Lloyd
July 9, 2020
Clifford (Chick) was such a great friend to both Eldon and Reed Lloyd. I appreciated it so much when he came to Eldon's funeral in 2015. Sincerely,
Mary Kay Lloyd
Amy Curtis
July 9, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with you Dear Degraw family. I have fond memories of your father and your family from growing up just down the street. What an amazing man and family. love, Amy Topham Curtis
Daryl Van Dam Hoole
July 9, 2020
t was with a flood of warm, happy memories, spanning 70 years, that I noted Cliff's obituary in this morning's newspaper. He was a loyal friend to the Don and Adan Van Dam Family, and Hank and I enjoyed him and Nancy (and others from the group) socially over the years. Hank passed away in 2013. Serving in the Salt Lake Temple sealing office, 2015-17, I met Cliff, also serving in the temple, on a number of occasions. We admire and appreciated him, a man of faith and faithfulness.
Linda DeVore
July 9, 2020
Cliff was the first principal of Westbrook Elementary when my children went there. They all loved him! He was a wonderful man. My condolences to your family. He was the best!
Paul K Edmunds
July 8, 2020
Enjoyed the opportunity to know Cliff during my tenure at the Utah Parks.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Clifford DeGraw's name
Memorial Events
for Clifford DeGraw
Funeral services provided by:
Wheeler & Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Homes - Springville211 East 200 South, Springville, UT 84663
How to support Clifford's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Clifford DeGraw's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
