Helen Mearl Clift
Mearl, a lifelong Holdenville resident, passed away December 28, 2010. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Orville Earl "Rob" Robertson (d 1944), her second husband Cecil Walter Clift (d 1999), her only child, Robby "Robb" Brent Clift (d 2000); and four of five siblings (Everett, Harmon, Loise and Ray).
Mearl leaves behind her loving companion, Stormy (a three year old cocker-spaniel); her sister, Billye Jean; her grandchildren, Rob, Kelli, Kim, and Eric; her great-grandchildren, Robert, Clint, Matt, Jenifer, Brandon, Bradley, Carson, and Easton; and her great-great grandchild, Madison, Olivia, Kaylee, Kylar Raeli-Ann.
Foremost, Mearl was a patriot! During WWII combat her first husband was shot down and killed over Germany - prior to their son's birth – and her beloved brother was shot and killed in Italy. No doubt it was through this prism from which she viewed the world and from which came her drive to advocate for America's veterans.
As a member of the American Legion - Ladies Auxiliary she should be most proud for having arranged a visit of the Moving Vietnam Wall to Holdenville in spite of the obstacles placed in her path.
During her life Mearl was a very accomplished citizen of the world, collecting numerous awards and accolades for her works.
She was an avid photographer and painter and member of the Holdenville Painters and Sculptors. Along with Cecil they owned and operated Clift Agency, providing insurance and real estate services to the community; close friends and family knew of her generous yet quiet philanthropy. She was proud to be chosen as one of two cheerleaders for Holdenville High, and later reigned as Miss Holdenville. In 1962 she was Mrs. Oklahoma. In her youth she was a charter member of Holdenville's Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and in her senior years a member of Oklahoma's Silver Haired Legislature.
Her pot roast dinners (for which she should have been famous) included cornbread and homemade gravy created in a single cast iron skillet; she could resuscitate any type of plant and was a member of the Rose Garden Club; and at one time she was a superior marksman!
Mearl was also a longtime member of Holdenville's First Church of God and Methodist Church as well at the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at the General Hospital.
Hers was a life dedicated to helping others and with her absence she will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local American Legion Auxiliary.

Funeral services will be Thursday, December 30, 2010, at 2:00 PM at the First Church of God with Bill Robinson and Rev Jon Ewers officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Holdenville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lonnie Barker, Bradley Silva, Brandon Silva, Dave Halliburton, Aubie Keesee, and John Janes. Honorary pallbearers will be Monroe Sumter, Ernest Moore, Bob Riddle, Glen Paslay, and Roy Swadley.