Hattie Ann Clifford, 68, passed away on Feb. 29, 2024, at her home in Russell, surrounded by her loving DSNWK staff. She was born on Feb. 4, 1956, in Kyle, South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to Floyd Clifford and Lulu Twiss.
After Hattie’s birth, she and her family moved to Henderson, Nev., in June 1956. Hattie lived with her parents until 1973 when her parents divorced, at which time she moved to Martin, S.D., to live with her grandparents.
Hattie learned many independent living skills from her grandmother: washing dishes, folding laundry, making beds and assisting with some cooking. Hattie then moved back to Henderson, Nev., in 1974 to live with her dad and attended the Helen J Stewart School, graduating in 1975.
Hattie lived with her dad until 1985 when she went to live with her sister Beverly and family. She lived there until Beverly passed away in 1998. Hattie’s brother Don, and her sister-in-law, Robyn assisted in caring for Hattie, and arranged for Hattie to enter into DSNWK services in Hill City in 1998. Hattie was very close to Robyn and enjoyed spending time with her. She made many friends while in Hill City and enjoyed arts and crafts classes. Hattie lived in Hill City until 2015 when she moved to a DSNWK group home in Russell, and Connie Schinkus became her court-appointed guardian.
Hattie enjoyed when Connie came to visit: enjoying all the goodies and coloring books she provided. She loved the therapy dog Lucy and would always give her hugs, kisses, and had a great big grin while doing it. Hattie enjoyed shuffling her playing cards, coloring books, teapa (coffee), pickles, and cottage cheese. Hattie will be greatly missed by her DSNWK friends and family.
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. March 5 at the Pioneer Developmental Center of Russell. Burial will be at Stockton City Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to Pioneer Development Center, DSNWK ~ Russell or Kobler Center, DSNWK ~ Hill City and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 723 N First, Stockton, KS 67669.
Online condolences may be sent to www.plumeroverlease.com.