Clifford A. Beals

Celebration of Life:

Clifford A. Beals, 95, passed away on Sept. 11, 2023.  He is survived by his daughter Debra (David) Cramer of Gardiner, ME; his son Craig (Lindy) Beals, of Gladstone, OR; granddaughter Heather (Brandon) Stultz, great-granddaughter Lia, all of Falmouth, ME; granddaughter Jana (Steven) Creamer, great-grandson, David, great-granddaughter Kirsten, all of Waldoboro, ME; grandson Cameron (Shelby) Beals, great-granddaughter Eliana, all of Oregon City, OR; sister-in-law, Shelda  Beals, numerous nephews, nieces and several “adopted” children & grandchildren.  He was preceded in death, by his wife Ruth (Kreie) Beals, of 66 years; his father Joseph Beals, and mother Eva Beals; father-in-law Edward Kreie, mother-in-law, Hazel Kreie; brother-in-law Bernie Paden and sister-in-law Neva Jo (Kreie) Paden; his siblings, Virginia, Howard, Harold, Kenny, Evan, and Robert (infant).

Cliff was born Oct. 19, 1927, in Sioux City, Iowa.  Cliff attended and graduated from Leeds High School in Sioux City, Iowa He was a running back for his football team, and known as one of the Four Horsemen in the backfield.  Upon graduation from high school, Cliff was drafted by the US Military Service, and voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy with his Dad, Joseph Beals, at his side.  He served as a Fireman, First Class for almost 2 years. He served on the USS Prinz Eugen, a captured German cruiser, as well as the USS Frontier, USS Helena, and USS Iowa. He was part of the occupational forces in Japan at the close of World War II and received an Honorable Discharge in 1947.

Cliff then met the love of his life, Ruth Kreie, at Bethany Nazarene College where he graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.  He planned to enter the Forestry Service but was required to teach science before becoming a Forest Ranger.  His teaching career started in Lamar, CO, where he taught math and science at the Junior High, and coached the football team.  He decided to remain a teacher. Cliff and his family moved to Pueblo, CO. in 1957. He taught Biology at Centennial High School.  Cliff received his Master’s Degree from Adam’s State College, Alamosa, CO in Counseling. Upon receiving his Master’s Degree, he became a Guidance Counselor at Centennial High School.  He finished his career as a guidance counselor at Corwin Middle School.   He retired from School District 60 in 1987, after 30 years of service.

Cliff enjoyed fishing, hunting, family vacations, and attending church. If the church doors were open, and he was able, he was at church.  He loved the Lord and spent many hours in service to the churches he attended.  At First Church of the Nazarene, he served on the church board, was building committee chairman, taught Sunday School, sang bass in choir, served as church custodian, and was on the Missions Council for a time. He passionately and creatively shared inspiring mission stories. Later he became involved at Park Hill Baptist Church, in Sunday School, and choir, and was active in a small group. He later attended Shadow Mountain Baptist Church.   Cliff loved music and was often whistling a tune.  He was asked, on several occasions, to whistle at church.  Cliff didn’t know a stranger and was a friend to everyone.  Cliff was also a painter and a handyman.  He helped many people.  Cliff was loved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a man of integrity, who loved Jesus with his whole heart.  This enabled him to love his family well, his friends, his students, and co-workers, as well as his church family.

He spent his last years at Life Care of Pueblo.  He never lost his sense of humor.  It brought such joy to hear him laugh.  Many said he was such a blessing.  Cliff said his protectors were God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and a host of angels.  He often referred to being touched by an angel.  The angels were with him as he was carried up to his Heavenly reward.  Cliff Beals’ life was made up of loving God, other people, and life itself!  He will be missed by all who were touched by his life, service, and love! In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you donate to Missions through one of the churches he attended: Pueblo First Church of the Nazarene, Park Hill Baptist in Pueblo, or Shadow Mountain Baptist church in Pueblo West.  Cliff’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at Montgomery & Steward Chapel on Saturday, October 28th at 3:00 pm.  Cliff’s final resting place will be next to his wife at Pikes Peak National Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO.