Jun 27, 1931 — Oct 13, 2026
Overland Park, Kansas
Colleen Marie Clifford, age 95, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on October 13, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, laughter, cherished memories, and a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Born on June 27, 1931, in Ober, Indiana, Colleen lived 95 remarkable years filled with love, family, and treasured memories. Throughout her life, she embraced both its joys and challenges with quiet strength and grace, always finding happiness in the people and simple pleasures that meant the most to her.
Colleen was known for her kindness, generous heart, and thoughtful nature. Although naturally shy and quiet, she had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. She had a special way of showing how much she cared, whether through a carefully chosen gift, a thoughtful gesture, or simply being there for someone she loved. Her generosity and genuine concern for others were among the many qualities that made her so special.
Colleen dedicated 32 years of her life to working as a bookkeeper at North Oxford and Leawood Elementary Schools. She truly enjoyed her work and especially loved the relationships she built with the teachers and children throughout the years. Her dedication, kindness, and warm presence made her a valued part of the school communities, and she took great pride in the many years she spent there.
Her greatest joy in life was being a devoted wife, a loving mother to her three children, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Family meant everything to Colleen, and she treasured the time spent together, the memories they created, and the special bonds they shared.
Colleen found happiness in life’s simple pleasures, including shopping, antiquing, word search puzzles, crocheting, yard work, WWE wrestling, and scary movies. She especially cherished Saturdays spent antiquing with her daughter, searching for unique treasures and adding to their collections of dolls and rocks. These special outings created countless memories and often ended with new and unusual treasures finding their way into their home. More than the treasures themselves, it was the time spent together that made those Saturdays so meaningful.
In her later years, Colleen especially enjoyed taking long drives with her best friend, Mike. Whether admiring the scenery, stopping for a cheeseburger, or treating themselves to an ice cream cone, these simple outings brought her immense happiness. To Colleen, the destination mattered far less than the time they shared, the conversations along the way, and the joy of getting out and enjoying life.
Above all, Colleen will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, her quiet strength, her wonderful sense of humor, and her unwavering love and devotion to her family. Though she was often shy and reserved, those who knew her best understood just how much personality, warmth, and love she had to share. Her thoughtful gestures, unforgettable moments, and the memories she created will forever be treasured by those fortunate enough to have known her.
Colleen is survived by her daughters, Susan Ross and Laurie Clifford; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Clifford; her son, Bryan Clifford; and her sister, Patricia Beeson.
A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens.
Obituary published by Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens.
