Clear, 40° F
(Nov. 16, 1923 – Oct. 9, 2012)
Clifford Banks Asay, 88, of Ramah, N.M., died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012.
Cliff was born Nov. 16, 1923, in Cowley to Leon Dutton Asay and Mary Hilda Banks. He attended Deaver High School, where he met the love of his life, the late Darlene Esther Bell. They were married Sept. 10, 1943.
From 1943 to 1948, Cliff worked on the CB & Q Railroad and was the youngest foreman in the company. In 1948 he went to work for Stanley Oil and Gas at the Elk Basin field, where he attained the position of field foreman. After his retirement in 1975 he moved to Oregon, where he was involved in building construction.
In 1977 he and Darlene moved to Ramah, N.M. where they retired and owned several mail “runs.”
Cliff was very musically talented. He could play any instrument he touched, yet he could not read a note of music. He played in many bands throughout his life and brought joy to his friends and family through his music.
He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as the bishop of the Ramah Second Ward.
On Feb. 14, 1995, he married Mary Lou Heath. He and Mary Lou enjoyed a very active life of travel and outdoor recreation up until his death.
Clifford is survived by his wife Mary Lou, five daughters and three stepsons: Mary Ann Sainsbury (Tom), Linda Bond (David), Donna Monk (Charles) of Cowley, Cindy McCormick (Robert), Sheri Stewart (Jay), Greg Winders, Dale Winders and Steve Winders; and four sisters, Maxine Wambeke of Deaver, Ethel Kreklow, Arlene Christianson and Caroline Petty. He also was blessed with 16 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Darlene, a grandson, Thomas B. Sainsbury, four brothers and two sisters.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Cowley Cemetery.
