Jerry Crouth Cluff

Jerry Crouth Cluff of Springville, Utah, moved on to higher learning and greater adventures Monday, January 11th after suffering a debilitating stroke at the age of 85.

He was born November 7, 1935 to Spencer M. and Nina Porter Cluff in Provo, Utah. He received his education in the Provo Schools: Franklin Elementary, Dixon Junior High, and Provo High School, graduating in 1955.

Jerry was baptized at the age of eight into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and attended church regularly. He advanced in the Aaronic Priesthood and was actively involved in scouting. He earned and received his Eagle Scout Award, plus the Bronze, Silver and Gold Palms beyond that.

During his young life, he and his brothers were given the responsibility of keeping the yard work done, being mainly responsible to do the plowing and planting of the family vegetable garden. And then keeping it watered and weeded in the summertime. He learned to love gardening and always grew a garden from that time on as he raised good food for his own family. He also loved the outdoors, traveling, and appreciated nature. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, which he gave up later in years when there was no longer a need for wild game as a food source.

At about age 9, Jerry began working for local farmers to contribute to the support of their family. He later delivered newspapers to homes in the west fields of Provo. During his teenage years he worked at a local soft drink beverage plant and later as their delivery truck driver.  He then got a job with Geneva Steel.

In the spring of his junior year of high school, Jerry met the love of his life Linda Weight at a wedding reception. They dated all during his senior year and became engaged prior to his entering military service with the Army in 1955. They were married August 15, 1957 in the Salt Lake Temple upon his return from deployment to Japan. After Army service he returned to his job at Geneva Steel until they went on strike. He again worked on the soft drink route driving truck for a time and then worked in retail grocery. Those salaries were inadequate, so he found a job as a home delivery milkman, and worked hard to build up his business to the point of having a livable income. He worked for Cream ‘O Weber Dairy for 15 years. He then became Manager of the Spanish Fork Bishops Storehouse, working in Welfare Services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He retired in 2001 after 26 years. Jerry knew the value of hard work and was a good provider to his wife and family of six children.

Jerry joined the Springville Kiwanis Club in 1974. He enjoyed the community service of being involved in numerous projects over the years, as well as the social interaction. Many good friends were acquired through Kiwanis during those 45 years. He served as president in 1979-80, earning the honor of Distinguished President, and as Secretary in his later years.

Jerry served faithfully in the Church in the Young Men’s organization, Sunday School, Scouting, Elders Quorum, High Priest Group, and as Ward Membership Clerk. He was a faithful Home Teacher as well. After retirement, he and Linda served a Church full time senior mission together for 18 months in the Iowa Des Moines Mission from fall 2002 to spring 2004.

Everyone who knew him loved him. He made friends wherever he went and conversation with complete strangers came easily. He enjoyed his retirement years pursuing his hobbies and cruise traveling with family and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Marion H. Cluff, sister Nortica C. Barker, and grandson Steven Gabbitas. He is survived by his wife, Linda; six children, Jerrilyn (John) Gray of St. George, Utah, Natalie (Scott) Parry, Kaylene (Larry) Andrew, both of Mapleton, Utah, Darren (Kipper) Cluff of Highland, Utah, Marsha (Cris) Crismon of Clinton, Utah, and David (Jessica) Cluff of Lehi, Utah; 26 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren; siblings, Richard (Joye) Kirk of Provo, Utah, Nelda C. Cazier of Afton, Wyoming, Jack (Beverly) Cluff of Springville, Utah, Seloma Lynn) Porter of Tooele, Utah, Ron (Alicia) Cluff, of Mapleton, Utah, Karla (Lynn) Sorensen of Provo, Utah.

Funeral Services for family and close friends will be held Tuesday, January 19th 2021 in the Springville Center Street Chapel, 355 E Center at 1:00 pm. It will be streamed live on YouTube for all others at the following link: https://youtu.be/revhw3Iy6dE

The public may express condolences to the family at Wheeler Mortuary Monday evening, January 18th from 6 to 8 pm. Due to the ongoing Pandemic, social distancing and masks are strongly encouraged. Burial will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the services with military rites by the American Legion.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.