Rachel Lydia Clifton

Rachel Lydia (Koester) Clifton was called to her Heavenly home on February 20, 2024. She was born to Paul & Lydia Koester in Centralia, IL on July 6, 1937. She was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church on July 18, 1937. Rachel graduated from Centralia High School, where she was involved in the school’s band and was their baton twirler. She later attended St. John’s college in Windfield, KS, and Millikan University in Decatur, IL where she obtained degree in education. She went on to teach at Lutheran schools in Defiance, OH; Decatur, IL; and Ferrin, IL. She later went back to school for Floral Design & Cake Decorating at Frank Phillips College in Borger, TX.

 Rachel married the love of her life, Gary Dean Clifton, on July 5, 1959 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, IL. They were married for 64 wonderful years until her passing. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Diana L. Clifton and Gary Craig Clifton. Due to her husband’s work with Natural Gas Pipeline Co, they were transferred to Hammond, IL; Conroe, TX; and Borger, TX. Gary retired from Natural Gas Pipeline Co in 1997 after 35 years of service, and he then went to work for Texas Dept of Criminal Justice for 5 years. After he retired again, they moved to Fredericksburg, TX where they lived for 20 years. They then moved to Mustang, OK be closer to their son and other relatives.

 Rachel enjoyed a variety of hobbies, including cake decorating & design. She loved volunteering for all the church activities she could. Most of all, she loved time spent with her family, especially her great-granddaughter. Rachel was an immensely loving person, and her presence will be missed by all who knew & loved her.

 Rachel leaves behind precious memories with her husband of 64 years, Gary Dean Clifton; son Gary Craig Clifton & wife Regina; granddaughter Molly Rachel Wilson & husband Travis; great-granddaughter Eleanor Wilson; sister Daphne Fearday; and many other beloved extended family members & friends. The family would like to extend their appreciation to Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg, TX and to Christ Lutheran Church in Mustang, OK for all their prayers & wishes. The family would also like to thank OU Health & the Stephenson Cancer Center in Oklahoma City for the care they provided to Rachel.

 Rachel will be buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia, IL in the Koester family plot beside their daughter, Diana; her parents; her brothers & sisters and other family members.