Clarence Ampey, 83 / Jan. 17, 1928 — April 2,3 2011

Published 10:37 pm Monday, April 25, 2011

Clarence John Ampey, 83, of Clovis, N.M., formerly of Cassopolis, died Saturday, April 23, 2011 at his home after a long illness.

Clarence Ampey, 83

He was born Jan. 17, 1928 to Carl and Mamie (Lawson) Ampey in Cassopolis.

Clarence spent his early life in Cassopolis on the family farm. After graduating from Michigan State University he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He married the love of his life, Ruth Sayers, on Dec. 17, 1957. They enjoyed 54 eventful years together.

After retiring from the Air Force, Clarence spent many years working as a mechanic for Case International Harvester. He went to New Mexico for the first time in 1973, and later made it his home for retirement where he became very involved in the community and his church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Clarence and Mamie (Lawson) Ampey; two sisters, Martha Emily Wright and Jessie Powell; and one brother, Oren Chavous.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Marie Ampey of Clovis, N.M.; five children, Ronald (Rosalie) Ampey of Cassopolis, Karen (Gary) Van Kuren of Clovis, N.M., Martha (Roger) Kemp of Decatur, Dolores “Dee” (Jon) Hammons of Clovis, N.M., Sharon (Michael) Phillips of Goldsboro, N.C.; two stepdaughters, Diana Retting of Clovis, N.M. and Bonnie (John) Reed of Jacksonville, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one brother, William Ampey of Cassopolis.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, April 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway St., Cassopolis.

Services will be Thursday, April 28 at 11 a.m. at Calvin Community Chapel, 18770 Mt. Zion St., Cassopolis.

Interment will be in Calvin Community Chapel Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Clovis, N.M.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Vista Care Hospice of Clovis, New Mexico, 2708 North Prince St., Clovis, NM 88101-4462.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel, Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Online condolences may be posted at wagnercares.com.