BATH, Ill. — Loreeta Dean Clifton, 84, of Bath, Ill., began this Earthly journey on October 19, 1937, born to parents Lowell W. and Clare Marie (Brenning) Rodgers. Her spirit left this Earth on January 8, 2022.

After graduating from Maroa High School, she married Robert Dean Clifton, on February 26, 1956, and they were together until his death, in 1989. Together, they raised six children, Roberta Linn Clifton, Rickie Lowell (Connie) Clifton, Randy Lee (Jaqueline) Clifton, Ramona Lou (Dean) Pfeiffer, Rex Lane (Kim) Clifton, and Reese Lorenzo (Tina) Clifton. She leaves behind 29 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren, and brother, Lynn (Recia) Rodgers, of Hickory Ridge, Ark.

Loreeta worked as a farm wife most of her married life. Because she drove grain trucks, worked the fields with tractors, grew a garden, and helped with livestock, which included a milking cow, she loved the distinction as opposed to being called a housewife. She also worked at McConkey Ford, of Farmer City, and later Super 8 Motel, in LeRoy.

She was a member of Prairie Chapel Methodist Church, in Farmer City, until its closure. She was also an active member of the (UMW) United Methodist Women. She was an avid reader with a library card from Crumbaugh Library, Leroy, which went above and beyond to supply her books even after she moved to Bath.

She loved tractor pulls, reunions, and NASCAR, and watching her favorite driver, Kyle Bush. Her joy and happiness revolved around her family, who will miss her deeply. She was always grateful and appreciative of the great care by her help at home, especially Lena Gills and Heidi Pfeiffer.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Lloyd Rodgers, in 2003, and her grandson, Jonathan, in 2004.

Her service will be provided by East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington. Graveside services to celebrate the life of Loreeta will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at Campground Cemetery, located west of Farmer City, on Hwy. 54.

Memorials may be directed to donor’s choice. Condolences and memories may be left with the family at  eastlawnememorial.com