Idyllwild Town Crier Online

Obituaries

Robert C. Clavio
January 18, 2010

    Robert “Bob” Clavio passed away peacefully in Santa Fe, N.M. on Jan. 18, 2010, at the age of 90. He is survived by loving family Luella Clavio, wife of 64 years; sons Dan and Gary; grandchildren Brett, Jennifer, Kara, and Chris; four great-grandchildren; and his sister Marion. Bob was preceded in death by son Tim and parents Pascal and Anna LaRilla Clavio.
    Born Jan. 23, 1919 in Loma Linda, he grew up in San Bernardino and graduated from San Bernardino High School in 1937. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII in the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. He lived for many years in Rialto and Idyllwild, working 43 years for Southern Pacific Railroad. Bob and Luella moved to Santa Fe in 2003.
    A gentle and kind man, he believed in discipline, decency, humor, hard work and recreation.
    He was an avid golfer, attended the Presbyterian Church, played the piano beautifully, enjoyed big band music, was a craftsman, a fisherman, a coach, a traveler, and so much more.
    An interment service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29 at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside. May the memory of him live on.

Suzanne Holmes
February 12, 2010

Suzanne “Sue” Holmes, Idyllwild resident for 34 years, best friend, wife, mother and sister, passed away at home attended by family, on Friday morning, Feb. 12, 2010.
    Sue was born on March 7, 1946 and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. She moved to the United States with husband Rick in 1968, originally to North Carolina. Later, in Escondido, she began what became many years of work in financial establishments, concluding with local banks on the Hill.
    As an avid bicyclist, Sue was continually riding mountain trails with her husband, friends and local community members. A few years ago, she joined a group heading out on road bikes to cross the country, and she decided to ride with them for a week, from San Diego to Benson, Ariz.
    Sue thrived on an active and healthy life, always encouraging others. This included being an active member of Community Presbyterian Church and making numerous friends with Bible studies she held, as well as ones she attended through Bible Study Fellowship International.
    Her life is remembered, honored and survived by friends and family; Rick, husband of 41 years; son Michael Holmes; daughter Natasha Holmes; son-in-law William Fillmore; mother Marie Cheb; brother Bill Cheb; father-in-law Arthur W. Holmes; brother-in-law Terry Holmes, brother-in-law Paul Holmes; as well as nieces and nephews.
    A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church, 54400 North Circle Drive, Idyllwild.
    In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to El Faro Orphanage, via Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church.

Edward J. Monaghan
January 27, 2010

    Edward J. Monaghan, a.k.a. Monte Mansfield, actor, singer, dancer, artist and sculptor, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010.
    He was a Rancho Mirage resident since 1974. He was born Dec. 8, 1929, an orphan. He was adopted by James and Cleo Monaghan in 1933.
    At age 5, he appeared on the Horn and Hardart’s Children’s Theatre, and went from there to “The Catholic Hour” and “Let’s Pretend” in New York. From ages 8 to 13, he appeared in various roles on Broadway. At age 14, he played night clubs, lounges and stage shows. He returned to Broadway at age 19 for six more years.
    In 1954, he came West and worked at MGM, Warners and Paramount. He made supper club appearances all over the world until 1980 when he retired.
    He was preceded in death by his adoptive parents and his life partner of 46 years, Dr. Robert D. Murphy.
    Services were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010 at St. Louis Catholic Church in Cathedral City.

Clifford Popp
February 12, 2010

    Clifford Popp passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family and friends on Feb. 12, 2010.
    He was born in Fresno, Calif. to Margarite and George Popp, on Dec. 22, 1911. He began his career as a mechanical draftsman with Food Machinery Corp. in 1929. He transferred to Riverside (FMC) in 1938 and was promoted to Mechanical Engineer, retiring in 1980 as Chief Engineer. In the late 60s, Cliff and his wife, Pam, moved to Idyllwild, where he built a beautiful mountain home. They were involved in many community activities: The Chamber of Commerce, The Idyllwild Historical Society, Town Hall, Riverside Co. Parks Dept. and The Garden Club. Their home and garden was open to the public twice a year. The Popp’s attended Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church.
    Cliff is survived by his two daughters, Marlene Finley of Loma Linda, and Kathy Carter of Riverside; three grandchildren, Cindy Finley, Ron (Angie) Finley, and Chris (Dawn) Finley; eight great-grandchildren, David (Kristin) Walker, Kristin, Ron Jr., Aaron, Analise, Andrew, Amber, and Chelsey Finley; two great-great-grandchildren, Zoe and Daniel Walker. And, by his dear friend, Edie Engel. Cliff was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, three brothers and three sisters.
    His great sense of humor and   gift of comedy will be missed! He was dearly loved by his family and friends. His “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Acheson & Graham, Garden of Prayer Mortuary in Riverside at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20.

Benjamin R. Strong & Judith N. Strong
Husband and wife, Benjamin R. Strong and Judith N. Strong, passed away recently in Pensacola, Fla. They are survived by two sons, Philip C. Strong (Linda McCaughin) and Rush P. Strong, and one grandson, Bret McCaughin-Strong, all of Idyllwild, Calif.; and one daughter, Jennifer S. Westermann (John H. Westermann Jr.) and three grandchildren, Sandy, Christine and Casey Westermann, all of Endicott, N.Y.
    Ben Strong (May 25, 1927-Jan. 17, 2010) was both a philanthropist and an avid supporter of the arts. He was also a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Born in New Orleans, La., he attended Tulane University, and was a enthusiastic Saints fan. Ben retired from IBM after 32 years in management in Large Systems Development.
    A few of his many volunteer leadership positions over the years include: the Bardavon 1869 Opera House Board and the Duchess County Arts Council Board in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; and the Pensacola Opera Board, the Arts Council of NW Florida Board, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Board, and the Pensacola Council of the Navy League Board in Florida.
    Ben had also served as a licensed layreader, a Vestryman, and a Senior Warden for the Episcopal Church over the years. In November 2008, he gave the opening and closing prayers at grandson Bret’s Eagle Scout Ceremony held at St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church in Idyllwild.
    Judy Strong (Aug. 17, 1929-Feb. 11, 2010) was also born in New Orleans, La. She graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, then married Ben Strong in 1951. Styling herself as a “community volunteer,” Judy was also a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
    She volunteered countless hours in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and then in Pensacola, Fla., for the following groups: T. T. Wentworth Museum, Opera League, Symphony League, Museum Art Guild, Choral Society, Tracer’s Treasures Thrift Shop, and the Nearly New Thrift Shop. Dixie, Judy’s and Ben’s therapy Greyhound, made weekly rounds with Judy at the Azalea Trace Retirement Home. Judy was also a lifelong, active member of the Episcopal Church.
    Memorial services were held at Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Pensacola, Fla. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in their memory to the following: Idyllwild HELP Center & Thrift Shop, P.O. Box 660, Idyllwild, CA 92549; Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida, 105 North “S” Street, Pensacola, FL 32505; and The Strong Opera Fund, Bardavon 1869 Opera House, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.
    The memories of Ben and Judy Strong shall live long in the minds and hearts of their family and friends.

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