Elizabeth Evelyn Clifton

Elizabeth Evelyn Clifton, fondly known as Liz to many, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her loving family in their Tucson, Arizona home. Born on August 4, 1932, in Creston, Iowa, Elizabeth was the cherished daughter of Frank Charles Schofield and Leona Pearl (Reeve) Schofield. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Elwin Albert Clifton, Jr., her parents, her sister Mabel Eckles, her brother Kenneth Schofield, her son, Frank Edward Clifton and a son-in-law, Douglas Hickman. Elizabeth's life was one of profound love, dedication, and achievement. She married Elwin Albert Clifton, Jr. on September 17, 1949, in a quaint ceremony in Okoboji, Iowa. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and service, moving from Newton, Iowa to St. Paul, Minnesota, as Elwin pursued his calling in the ministry. Their journey led them to various communities, including Cokato, Buffalo, and Rockford in Minnesota, and ultimately to Kansas City, Kansas, as they followed the ministerial path. A devoted mother, Elizabeth raised six children: Ray, Kathy, Frank, Scott, Linda, and Roxanne. Her nurturing spirit and steadfast support were a cornerstone of their family life. As her children grew, Elizabeth embarked on a professional journey of her own, working in a histology lab at the University of Minnesota. Her exceptional skills and dedication led to the development of a specialized chemical stain, making significant contributions to the field and earning her recognition in a national journal of Histology. In 1983, Elizabeth and Elwin moved to Marana, Arizona, seeking a warmer climate for Elwin's health. After Elwin's passing in 1998, Elizabeth continued her career at Kino Hospital in Tucson until her retirement in the early 2000s. In 2004, she found love again and married Donald Brooks, with whom she shared cherished years until his passing in 2013. Elizabeth's later years were filled with the joy of community and family. She embraced her passion for bowling, becoming an integral part of the Trailblazers Bowling League at Fiesta Lanes. Her bowling prowess and infectious spirit made her a beloved figure among her fellow bowlers, who affectionately called her Liz or Mom. She competed in the USBC Women's National Tournament annually, with her last tournament in 2025, remaining active in her league until her passing. Elizabeth was also a avid and dedicated fan of the Arizona Diamondbacks Baseball Team and loved making trips to Phoenix for home games to watch her favorite player, Corbin Carroll. All her friends were well aware of her incorigible sweet tooth and love of any excuse to visit the Dairy Queen. Elizabeth leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, survived by her children: Rayment Clifton and his wife Bonnie of Fountain Valley, California; Kathleen Krehbiel and her husband John of Tucson, Arizona; Scott Clifton of Tempe, Arizona; Linda Hickman of Mt. Orab, Ohio; and Roxanne Clifton and her partner Bill Montgomery of Leavenworth, Kansas. She also leaves behind a legacy of numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her. A celebration of Elizabeth's life will be held on October 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Adair Funeral Home, located at 8090 N Northern Avenue, Oro Valley. Elizabeth's final earthly journey will be to return to where it all began and be interred at Morgan Cemetary in Kent, Iowa next to her beloved husband. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Valley in Tucson for their compassionate care and support, with special thanks to Nurse Tara and Chaplain Kris. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elizabeth's memory may be made to Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ, a testament to the care and comfort they provided in her final days. Elizabeth Evelyn Clifton will forever be remembered for her unwavering faith, boundless love, and the joy she brought to all who knew her. Her spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.