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.
Lenore (Lennie) Clifford passed away June 13, 2018, at her residence in the Oregon Veterans’ Home.
She was the daughter of Conie and Marie Taylor Lenore and was born in Hood River, Ore., on Oct. 4, 1927.
The family moved to The Dalles, Ore., shortly after her birth. There, in her most beloved city, Lenore would remain the rest of her life.
Growing up in The Dalles, Lenore attended St. Mary’s Academy. In grade school she was a boarder, and a day student in high school. She was an excellent student. Lenore had enough credits to graduate early, so what would have been her senior year, was spent at the University of Portland.
Lenore worked many, many years in the retail grocery business. She began her career during WWII at McHale’s Grocery counting ration stamps. While there, she was given her lifelong nickname of “Buttons.” Jimmy McHale dubbed her this becasuse of the large shiny brass buttons on a sailor-style dress she often wore. “Button” went on to work at Hudson House, Brady’s Grocery, and Sawyer’s as a bookkeeper.
In 1946, Lenore married Delton Clifford and, in 1951, their only child Connie-Marie was born.
Lenore and Del were active in the community throughout their married lives. They were members of The Dalles Saddle Club, UTU and auxiliary, Elk’s and Emblem Club, UPRR Junior Old Timers, UPRR Old Timers, Western Little League, St. Mary’s PTA, and St, Mary’s Alumni to name a few.
Lenore loved to do yard work with Del and to that end, they were awarded a city beautification award for their home on West third place.
Lenore is the last surviving kinsman of the large WWII era Clifford clan. This was a title that both honored and saddened her. In addition to her husband, her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law played a great and important part in her life. She missed them as they proceeded her in death.
Lenore is survived by daughter, Connie-Marie Sanders, and son-in-law Charles Sanders; a wonderful multitude of nieces, nephews; great and great-great nieces and nephews; and her dear friends, Sally Abrams, Ray and Michael Harvey.
There will be a viewing Friday, June 22, at Spencer, Libby and Powell Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with interment to follow.
All are invited to attend.
To plant a tree in memory of Lenore Clifford as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
