Clifton, Lois Jean (Leix)

MONTFORT - Lois Jean (Leix) Clifton, age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 23, 2026 at CrestRidge Memory Care in Dodgeville. She was born on October 30, 1931, in her family’s farmhouse in Montfort, the very place where her life began and where her roots were deeply planted. Lois was the daughter of Milton and Fern (Everson) Leix.

Lois graduated from Cobb High School in 1949 and continued her education at the Madison School of Business. When her father needed help in his Rural Insurance office in Dodgeville, she willingly returned home to support him. Lois met the love of her life, LaVerne Clifton, in 1947, and their bond only grew stronger with time. They were united in marriage on July 11, 1953, at the Montfort United Methodist Church, beginning a beautiful lifelong partnership. That same year, LaVerne began working on the family farm, and together they poured their hearts into managing the farm and raising their family, building a life rooted in hard work, love and unwavering commitment. Lois was a hardworking farmwife who helped wherever she was needed. She became known as “the egg lady,” running a regular Friday egg‑delivery route with the eggs she gathered and meticulously cleaned throughout the week.

Lois and LaVerne purchased the family farm in 1970, proudly continuing the legacy that had been passed through generations. In 2002, they were honored by Wisconsin’s Century Farm Awards Program at the Wisconsin State Fair, recognizing more than 100 years of continuous family ownership—an achievement that meant a great deal to them both.

In 1982, they entered into a partnership with four other owners and built the Tower Junction Bowling Alley on their land. It became not only a local gathering place, but a source of joy and community for Lois. She organized a Monday night bowling team affectionately known as “Loie’s Cacklers.” Over the years, she cooked and waitressed at the bowling alley, taking great pride in the hearty breakfast plates she served during its early days. Later on, she became the favorite Friday‑night waitress for many regulars, who looked forward not only to her service but to the warmth she brought with her. If she knew it was your birthday, she would happily sing “Happy Birthday” and give a celebratory toot on the wooden train whistle she always kept nearby—a small gesture that made everyone feel special.

Lois dedicated her time to many organizations and committees, generously sharing her talents in countless roles throughout her life. She was an active member of the Montfort United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served as an officer in the United Methodist Women. Her commitment to community continued through her remarkable 72 years with the Iowa County HCE, where she served as president for four years, vice president for 25, and faithfully helped oversee the annual holiday fair. She was also a proud and lifelong member of the local HCE chapter, Sunnydell, for the same 72 years.

Lois loved supporting young people and spent many years reading as a Bookworm volunteer in local schools. She served as a 4‑H leader for the Cobb Busy Badgers, teaching cooking classes and directing the music group—roles that perfectly reflected her creativity and patience. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, where she held the office of Chaplain. In addition, Lois served her community for 40 years on the Iowa County Board of Canvass, demonstrating her dedication to fairness and civic responsibility.

Lois embraced life with energy and fun, playing on a women’s softball league and enjoying many years in a card club with LaVerne and their neighboring friends. Their commitment to those friendships ran deep—so much that on one winter night when the weather was especially bad, Lois, LaVerne and another couple rode their snowmobiles through the storm just to make it to card club. It was moments like these that showed Lois’ joyful spirit and her devotion to the people she loved.

One of Lois’ greatest passions was music. Her beautiful voice touched the lives of countless people as she sang for many weddings, funerals and community events over the years. She was a devoted member of the church choir and the Wisconsin Friendship Chorus, through which she traveled on three European tours, as well as tours to Alaska, New Mexico and Rhode Island. The Chorus also performed at numerous venues throughout Wisconsin, including both state and national conferences—experiences Lois cherished deeply.

Lois also brought joy to many through her music closer to home. She loved singing for residents and staff in local nursing homes, often performing alongside her sister and cousin. Their voices together brought comfort, laughter and companionship to those they visited. In addition, Lois was a member of the Good News Quartet and also sang with the Platteville Chorale, sharing her gift of music with yet another circle of friends and audiences. Music was woven into the fabric of Lois’s life, and she shared that joy generously with everyone around her.

Lois was deeply devoted to her family and was her children’s, grandchildren’s and great‑grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader. She rarely missed a single game, concert, play, or school event—her presence in the stands or the audience was a constant source of encouragement and pride. Family gatherings meant the world to her, and she looked forward to every opportunity to bring her loved ones together.

Lois is survived by her husband of 72½ years, LaVerne; and their four children: Joe (Alice) Clifton of Platteville, Jane Lewis of Lancaster, Jim (Sarah) Clifton of Montfort, and Julie McGuire of Highland. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 20 great‑grandchildren: Jason Clifton; Amy (Eric) Galdi and their children, Kameron and Kade; Jon (Jessica) Clifton and their children, Brock, Ricky, Lance, and Blaise; Kris Lewis; Lisa Parrish and her children, Trevor and Jenna; Dustin Lewis and his children, Candice and JJ; Nick (Nikki) Lewis and their children, Lorelai, Lily, and Leah; Jacob (Hayley) Clifton and their children, Avalyn, Mathias, and Emmett; Joshua (Amanda Abing) and their children, Jedd and Josie; Shawn (Sienna) McGuire and their children, Nola and Willa; Shane (Cassie) McGuire; Robert (Madelyn) McGuire; and Riley McGuire. She is further survived by her great‑great‑granddaughter, Callie Sebranek, along with several special nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her sons‑in‑law, Ken Lewis and Jeff McGuire; her sisters and brothers‑in‑law, Eileen (Roger) Fingerson and Bonnie (Donnie) Ritchie; her father‑ and mother‑in‑law, Claude and Bessie Clifton; her in‑laws, Clayton (Lois Nancy) Clifton, Arlene (Dutch) Freymiller, Marvin (Mary Jean) Clifton; Ardys (Bob) Bowers and Mary Edith (Neal) Schuler.

Lois will be remembered for her beautiful, infectious smile; her compassionate and giving heart, her love of music and her irresistible joy whenever a song began to play. The moment the music started, she was ready to dance, sing and fill the room with her warmth. Her spirit, kindness and unwavering love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, the warmth of her smile, the music of her voice and the kindness she shared so freely will continue to echo in the lives she touched. Lois leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion and unwavering love, a legacy that will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at CrestRidge Memory Care and Upland Hills Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion and support over these last eight months.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday April 3, 2026, at the Montfort United Methodist Church with burial to follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday April 2, at Soman-Larson Funeral Home in Montfort and again from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, at the church. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com