Cynthia Ann Clifton

Cynthia Ann (Cheesbrough) Clifton, 82, died peacefully surrounded by her family on October 19, 2024. Cynthia was born on December 13, 1941, in Valparaiso, Indiana, to Joseph Edward and Lucille Margaret (Witte) Cheesbrough. In 1955, she and her family moved to Overland Park, Kansas, where she graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School in 1959. She was a Past Honored Queen, Bethel 45 Job’s Daughters in Prairie Village, Kansas, and a member of the Ada Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. Cynthia attended the University of Kansas, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. While at KU, she met and fell in love with Gary Curtis Clifton, of Rock Port, Missouri. They married on September 1, 1962. Cynthia graduated from KU in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She taught remedial reading and math in the Antioch School District, Overland Park, from 1963 to 1965.

 In 1965, Cynthia and Gary moved to Liberty, Missouri, where Gary practiced law and Cynthia taught first grade in the Liberty School District. Cynthia and Gary had two children, Jennifer and Carol. After staying home to raise her girls, Cynthia began working for the Internal Revenue Service in 1987. She worked as a tax examiner for the IRS until her retirement in 2006. 

 Cynthia lost Gary unexpectedly in 1987. Widowed at age 45, Cynthia rallied for her girls, supporting them in every way, through college and law school at the University of Missouri, in their careers, and beyond. Despite being a KU grad, she wore her “Mizzou Mom” shirts and cheered for the Tigers (except when they were playing her Jayhawks). 

Upon her retirement, Cynthia enjoyed taking trips with the Gladstone 50+ group and making blankets for Cancer Action. She was a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Liberty, where she served on the Altar Guild, was active in the church’s widows’ group, made dolls for children, and enjoyed baking treats for coffee hours and receptions.

Cynthia’s four grandchildren were truly the loves of her life. She delighted in teaching them how to bake, having them over for sleepovers, and taking them on fun adventures. She drove them around in her minivan, which she called her “Grammy Cab.” She proudly attended every concert, recital, soccer match, swim meet, awards ceremony, and graduation, from their preschool to college years, that she could. If her grandchildren were in it, she tried to be there. 

Cynthia’s family will never forget her wonderful wit, deadpan delivery, and crazy stories (especially the naughty ones). They are grateful for the many get-togethers and feasts she organized for holidays and Super Bowls. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary, personally keeping Hallmark in business by sending a card for every occasion. She always made each of them feel encouraged, nurtured, and cherished. They are so proud of their stubborn, steadfast, warrior of a mother and grandmother.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her sisters-in-law, Christine Cheesbrough and Nancy Cheesbrough. She is survived by her two brothers, Calvin Cheesbrough and Leon Cheesbrough, as well as her two daughters, Jennifer Clifton Ferguson (David) of Liberty and Carol Clifton Sevier (John) of Kansas City; her beloved grandchildren, Haley Ferguson (Miranda) of Gladstone, Mitchell Sevier (Halley) of Alexandria, Virginia, Jackson Ferguson (Madison) of Overland Park, and Madeleine Sevier of Woodridge, Illinois; her best friend, Mary Lee Cushman; four nieces, one nephew, and several great nieces and nephews, whom she remembered with birthday and holiday cards.

 Cynthia will be cremated. Her family will scatter her ashes at the Indiana Dunes National Park, a place she and her family loved when she was a child.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Shriners Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.