Thompsonville, Mi - Hope Elizabeth (Lee) Clifton, 90, of Thompsonville, passed away peacefully on April 27 2026 at home with her family by her side.

Born May 13, 1935, in Detroit, MI to Harry and Martha (Webber) Lee. After high school Hope worked for BC/BS and CNA Insurance in downtown Detroit for 10 plus years. While living in Detroit she met the love of her life William "Bill" Clifton, Bill and Hope married on February 15, 1964, and relocated to Thompsonville in 1972.

Hope was a people person, always a smile on her face. Theres not a person she wouldn't go up to and carry on a conversation with and always left an unforgettable impression. She was always the life of party wherever she went. She would dance all night if you let her.

After she retired from Mitchell Bentley Corp in Benzonia, she spent many years volunteering at the Maples and POMH Long Term Care. She loved helping out wherever she could. Hope was a member of the First Congregational Church in Thompsonville and loved going to church every Sunday.

Hope loved her flowers and made sure her yard looked nice every summer, there was never a weed or dandelion she missed pulling, but most of all she loved spending time with her family. Her grandkids meant the world to her. Growing up she never missed a sporting event, this carried on to the grandkids and into their adult playing years. Everyone knew when Gma Hopey was there, as she always carried a horn with her and was not afraid to use it. Even had it taken away at a basketball game once.

She was also known as the Skipbo Queen. She taught anyone that came through her doors how to play and enjoyed kicking our butts! It was hard to leave she would say "Just one more game!" that led to many more games.

Although dementia slowly took her away from us. We will always and forever love and cherish the memories we had with our dearest Hopey.

Hope is preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, daughter Susan, sister Faith, brothers Robert, Jay (Joy) and Alfred (Lloyd) Lee.

Hope's memory will live on through her children, Wendee (Louie) Gelakosky, Benzonia. MI, William "Bill" Clifton of Interlochen, Gary Koenig of Fort Mead, FL, Rochelle Barber (Carl Silk) Plymouth. MI and Joe (Glenda) Koenig of Detroit, MI; grandchildren Emily and Kalee Gelakosky, Karley and Billy Clifton, Christina (Randy) Miller, Lindsey (Ryan) Scranton, Kristine (Benjamin) Cook, Jeff (Melissa) Caskey, Rhonda (Craig) Woodley, Paul (Katie) Carr, Corey Carr, Amy (Ryan) Karbowski, Leah (Walter) Hash, Jonathan Barber, Kristy (Liviu) Florian; 24 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren, many nieces , nephews and one special friend, caregiver and Skipbo buddy Lori Cook.

A celebration of Hope's life will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, May 24th, at First Congregational Church of Thompsonville. A luncheon will immediately follow the services. Burial will be in the Thompsonville Cemetery at a later date. Those desiring may make contributions to the church. Arrangements with Jowett Family Funeral Home of Benzonia.