Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
On Nov. 4, 2017, Clifton Roger Bennett, age 98, passed away peacefully with family by his side. Mr. Bennett was born on March 7, 1919, in Meeteetse, Wyo., to Miles William and Dorothy (Siebert) Bennett.
Clifton spent his youth on and around horses and ranching and later rode as a cowhand for the famous Pitchfork Ranch in Meeteetse. M. Maxine Thayer was his high school sweetheart and lived on the Pitchfork ranch. As time went on, their thoughts of romance grew, and after graduation, Cliff and Maxine could not wait to get married. So, at the age of 19, they eloped to Red Lodge, Mont., in 1938. In 1940, Cliff and Maxine boarded a steamer ship sailing to Alaska with their firstborn child Roger.
When they arrived in Anchorage, Alaska Cliff worked for awhile as a carpenter. During the start of World War II, he worked for the Alaska Railroad in Tunnel, Alaska. During this phase of living and working in Alaska, Cliff and Maxine welcomed another child, Jeanne, into the family. Eventually, Cliff and Maxine returned to Wyoming, where they welcomed a daughter Roberta. Back in Anchorage, they had Nancy and then returned to Wyoming where Clifton Rodney was born. After Rodney was born, Cliff was employed as one of the caregivers at a boy’s reformatory school in Worland, Wyo. The family moved back to Anchorage one last time in 1961.
On their last move Cliff built a home on Boniface Parkway (farm country back then) and began his employment with the Sisters of Providence Hospital, holding the position of master carpenter. He retired in 1984 from Providence and, several years later, he and Maxine moved to The Dalles, Ore., to live in a 55 plus community.
Clifton was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years in 2006. All five children survive him. Mr. Bennett also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a true cowboy, a gentleman and very a proud family man. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
To plant a tree in memory of Clifton Bennett as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
