Marihelen Clifton, 91, of Peoria, passed away at 10 p.m. on Monday, October 16, 2012, at Liberty Village of Peoria. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 19, 2012, at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, with Pastor Douglas Lightly officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 18, 2012, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, and one hour prior to services at church on Friday. Interment will be at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Marihelen was born in Bluffs on July 7, 1921, the daughter of Bert R. and Mary M. (Cook) Clifton. They preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her friend, Margueritte J. Goodman. She is survived by her cousins, Shirley Henrichsmeyer and Jean Hendrickson, of Decatur; niece, Carol Jean Crandell of El Paso, TX; and her dear friends and co-workers, Robert (Helen) Strode, Lori Strode (Wes Jacobson, of Dunlap), Sandy (Kurt) Zuercher, Julie (John) Campbell and Bobby (Jenny) Strode, all of Pekin. Marihelen’s father started the Bert R. Clifton Insurance Agency in Peoria in 1941. Upon his passing in 1964, she and Robert W. Strode became business partners, creating Clifton-Strode Insurance and Real Estate. In the 1980s, she sold the business to Robert, but continued an active role in the business as a Licensed Insurance Agent and Broker. She last worked in September of 2012. She was an active member of Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria. Through Grace Presbyterian, she taught Sunday School for over forty years, was a member of the Grace Notes Trio and was instrumental in starting the Sunday School for PARC. Memorial contributions may be made in Marihelen’s memory to Grace Presbyterian Church.
Marihelen was a wonderful person who touched many lives. Years ago she and Margueritte were Sunday School teachers for my sisters and I. They both impacted our lives by their kindness and concern for others. Marihelen truly made a huge impact on many of us from Grace Presbyterian Church. Her friends and family are in my thoughts and prayers as she is laid to rest. I will always cherish the special memories of Marihelen as a friend, mentor and business person.
