Ms Virgie Marie Josephine Cleffman
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Ms Virgie Marie Josephine Cleffman

  • August 11, 1926 - November 18, 2011
  • Hot Springs, Arkansas
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Gross Funeral Home

120 Wrights Lane
Hot Springs, AR 71913
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Tel. (501) 624-1244
Fax. (501) 623-7482
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Memories & Candles

“We are thinking of you at your time of loss, and our sympathy to the family of Virgie Cleffman. Love and prayers, Kenneth and Opal Miller ”
1 of 9 | Posted by: Kenneth and Opal Miller - IA

“Dear Jane & family of Virgie, I don't know if you remember me but maybe you remember my parents Mart & Doris Raushenberger from First Christian...Read More » ”
2 of 9 | Posted by: Dru (Raushenberger) Neubauer - IA

“I'm sorry for your loss Jane. God bless you and ease your heart. ”
3 of 9 | Posted by: Joel Burrough - Hot Springs, AR

“Sorry for your loss.We know how u feel after losing my dad 3 month ago , it still hurt .If u need us just call . love the swinks ”
4 of 9 | Posted by: crystal and joe swink - pearcy, AR

“Jane and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Life hands us the happy times and the sad times. We can hold in our hearts the wonderful memories...Read More » ”
5 of 9 | Posted by: Roger and Jan Trubey

“So very sorry for your loss. God bless you. ”
6 of 9 | Posted by: Crickett Lee - Hernando, FL

“Will always remember the good times we had visiting at Aunt Virgie and Uncle Roger's. The warmth and love they had for us kids has always stayed in...Read More » ”
7 of 9 | Posted by: Jackie Prudhomme - Manchester, TN

“Jane and Betty and families, We send our deep sympathy to you in the loss of your mother. You were blessed to have the parents you had and I know...Read More » ”
8 of 9 | Posted by: Sandy and Gary Fortney - IA

“As a child I shared many wonderful times with Rodger, Virgie and their family. They treated me like one of their own and showered me with loving...Read More » ”
9 of 9 | Posted by: Barbara Dangbar - Cobden, IL


Virgie Cleffman, 85, passed away peacefully on the morning of November 18, 2011, at the Lakewood Convalescent Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Born in Parma, Missouri, on August 11, 1926, Virgie was the daughter of Thomas and Lottie Clementine Porter and had three brothers and four sisters. She would eventually join siblings who had migrated to the Detroit, Michigan area, where the post-war auto industry was in full swing and jobs were plentiful. There she met and married Roger Cleffman, who had also moved to the area after serving in World War II. They made their home in Pontiac, Michigan, and had three daughters. During these years, Virgie completed cosmetology school and became a hairdresser, but her most enjoyable job was raising her children. She encouraged their interests in music, taught them to read before they entered school, sewed many of their clothes, inspired their interest in cooking, and welcomed their friends to her home.

In 1964, the Cleffman family moved to Muscatine, Iowa, where Virgie lived for ten years. She was grateful that her daughters finished their school years in such a wonderful community and continued to encourage their education, activities, work, and friendships. She eventually took up residence in Arkansas to be close to her daughter, Jane, and Jane's family. There she enjoyed the role of grandmother to her three grandsons, developed a talent for raising especially lovely African violets, continued her interest in cooking, and adored the company of Odie, the family dog. Every Christmas, she baked her custom-recipe walnut fruitcake that her family loved and one son-in-law nicknamed "trail food" because it was so yummy and filling.

Virgie's youngest daughter, Carol (Patrick) Ewen, from Bettendorf, Iowa, preceded her in death. Surviving her are daughters Jane (Tom) Hufford of Royal, Arkansas; Betty (Robert) Cleffman Hager of San Marcos Texas; and grandsons John, Daniel "Danny," and Michael Hufford of Hot Springs, Arkansas. A small, family memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Arkansas Hospice and the Lakewood Convalescent Home for their kind and attentive care of Virgie throughout her residence at the facility.