Mildred M. Clawson

Mildred Mae Clawson, 98, passed away on Sunday, August 26th. She was born one of identical twins to William and Rebecca Deason on March 12, 1914 in Fullerton, Nebraska. The family lived in Carpenter and Cheyenne, Wyoming moving to Sterling, Colorado about 1924. Millie always wanted to be a nurse, and achieved her dream at Children's Hospital in Denver graduating in 1939. Millie passed the state board exams and continued nursing at Children's as a staff nurse and also as nursing supervisor. It was during this time she met her future husband. She married James Robert Clawson on November 1, 1941. They eventually settled in La Junta in 1947. From this union came four children; Rebecca, Sarah, Jeanette and Jim. In 1960 when the children were old enough, she resumed her nursing career as a public health nurse for Otero County. She was instrumental in establishing a home health program in the Arkansas Valley and pioneered in it the concept of hospice care in the county. Millie distinguished herself as a supervisor treating those with whom she worked with respect and compassion. She excelled in patient care helping families to achieve goals of a happy, healthy lifestyle. She retired from the health department in June of 1976. Millie quietly continued her personal nursing by supporting others; always willing to listen, visit and give of herself. A long time member of the Presbyterian Church she was untiring and dedicated in her service to her Lord, and is remembered as the "Presbyterian Visiting Angel Nurse". Millie and Bob worked tirelessly in their service to their church, both being active as church officers. They could always be found in the kitchen during church functions as Bob was the reigning chef of the Presbyterian church until his declining health and death in 1985. Millie continued in this service until her health no longer allowed her to do so. She was active in PEO, Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels frequently taking various grandchildren along to deliver meals.

She is survived by her four children; daughter, Becky (Gene) Malas of Grants Pass, OR,  their children, Bryan (Valerie), Brett (Mary), Jeff (Wendy); daughter, Sarah (Larry) Damgaard of Manzanola, CO, their children, Kris (Kristie), Jim (Tarah), Kelly Asheim (Josh); daughter, Jeanette (Ron) Cheesman of Knoxville, TN, their children  Stephanie Brouwer and Rob; son, Jim (Linda) Clawson of La Junta, their children, Chris and Lisa. Mrs. Clawson is also survived by sixteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, sisters, brothers and her beloved twin Margaret.

In lieu of food and flowers memorial contributions may be made to Inspiration Field - Building Fund, 1500 San Juan Avenue, La Junta, CO, 81050, Arkansas Valley Hospice Assoc., P.O. Box 408, La Junta, First Presbyterian Church, 111 E. 20th St., La Junta direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday, September 14, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Dr. M.J. Romano officiating.  Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.  Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta.