Clarene Clifton Critchlow

February 18, 1933 — June 14, 2023

Clarene Clifton Critchlow passed away peacefully June 14, 2023. She was born in Ogden, Utah on February 18, 1933, to George Clarence Clifton and Mary Tams. She was the oldest of four girls and enjoyed taking care of her sisters and working at the family store – Clifton’s Ladies Apparel in downtown Ogden.

She graduated from Ogden High School and then went on to receive her associate degree from Weber State College and her bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University in Accounting. She was one of only a few women in the accounting department at that time. Upon graduation she worked as an accountant for several years.

She married her eternal companion, Robert Taylor Critchlow, on September 1, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with a joyful home of four boys and three girls. They loved to dance and were involved in several dance clubs. They served together in the PTA and Republican Party. They also joined their friends in a study club for over 50 years.

Clarene opened the Critchlow Little Red School House in 1965 which she owned, operated, and taught at for 47 years. She enjoyed nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. Her enthusiasm was contagious and left an impression for good on her students and their families. Many generations of students attended the Little Red School House.

Clarene was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved teaching Sunday School and served as a Primary President, in numerous Relief Society Presidencies and taught in several auxiliaries. She and her husband Robert served as full-time missionaries in the Nashville Tennessee Mission. Their focus was with the Young Single Adults in Bowling Green Kentucky. The YSAs loved Elder and Sister Critchlow and were thrilled when Clarene made her famous pies and turnovers.

Clarene devoted her life to her family. She also had many talents including quilting, cross-stitching, and gardening. She could often be found late at night quilting a blanket for a child or grandchild. She was an excellent cook, and her recipes are cherished by many. She traveled coast to coast and around the world with her husband Robert. They cheered and supported their family in sports and activities and would go to great lengths to be there. They also enjoyed going on long drives and listening to Big Band music. Occasionally they would pull over and dance.

Clarene is survived by her seven children and their spouses: Clifton (Chris) Critchlow, Kent (Marilyn) Critchlow, Ann (Brad) Rabe, Cathy Johns, Steve (Cathie) Critchlow, David (Sarah) Critchlow and Amy (Darren) Wilde. Her legacy will continue with 31 grandchildren, 73 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

She also is survived by her three sisters Lavon Jennings, Janith (Grant) Wright, and Tamra (Larry) Mortenson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Taylor Critchlow, her parents George and Mary Clifton and two brother-in-laws Dearden Jennings and Tim Morris.

We will dearly miss our mother and grandmother – the rock of our family. May she know of our love and gratitude until we meet again.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24th at 11:00 am at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Boulevard, Ogden Utah. A viewing will also be held at Myers Ogden Mortuary on Friday, June 23rd from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and briefly on Saturday, June 24th from 9:30 – 10:30 am. Interment, Ogden City Cemetery. Services will be live streamed and can be watched on Clarene’s obituary page at www.myers-mortuary.com