Richard Clifton

Richard D. Clifton, 78, of Sterling, died peacefully at home, January 27, 2014. He served three years in the U.S. Army and was employed at National Mfg Co. in Sterling, as a Grinder Operator before retiring in 2000. Mr. Clifton was born March 1, 1935 to Warren and Dorothy (Owens) Clifton. He graduated in 1953 from Rock Falls High School, and then later married his high school love of his life, Dorothy Simester, on June 10, 1956 at Rock Falls United Methodist Church. Richard loved spending time with his family, especially grandchildren, and at his vacation home on the St. Lawrence River. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Sterling. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Clifton; four daughters, Beth (Randy) Wolber of Rock Falls; Wendy Eckel (Sheila Akers) of Rock Falls; Abby (Ted) Ernst of Chicago; and Erin (Joe) Stewart of Crown Point, IN; seven grandchildren, Shane (Jackie) Wolber, April Wolber, Molly (Brittany) Dunn, Seth and Austin Eckel, and Charlotte and Lindsay Ernst; one great grandchild, Jocelyn Wolber, and one great grandchild due in March; and special friends of the family, Jennifer Reichert, Sarah Mallard, and Sophie Duntley. Visitation will be from 9:30am to 11:15am, Thursday, January 30, 2014, prior to services at 11:30am at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling, with the Reverend Paul Judd, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Sterling, officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established to First United Methodist Church, Sterling and Hospice of the Rock River Valley. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.