Obituaries

Ben Rush Clabaugh

Photo of Ben Rush Clabaugh
Ben Rush Clabaugh, 96, of Bentonville, Arkansas, died Friday, February 20, 2015 at Northwest Medical Center of Benton County in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born on September 9, 1918, in Marshfield, Coos County, Oregon, son of Walter Lazelle and Eva Rush Clabaugh. He graduated from the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member, as were his brothers, of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He served in the U.S. army from 1942-1945, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Remaining in Honolulu, he managed the Harder Company and in 1947 married the love of his life, Geraldine Straw. In 1963, he joined Owens-Illinois as an accounts manager, moving first to Portland, Oregon, and later to the San Francisco area. In 1977, Ben and Gerry retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas. Through his retirement years, he was an avid golfer and tennis player and enjoyed traveling, ballroom dancing, reading and Razorback sports. He was an active and beloved member of First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, where he served as an elder. He was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine, and two brothers, John Rush Clabaugh and Bill Rush Clabaugh. A loving uncle, Ben is survived by nieces and nephews Sally Powers of Chico, California, Mark Clabaugh (Jaye) of Arlington, Virginia, Nancy Pobert (Gary) of Reno, Nevada, and John Clabaugh, Jim Clabaugh, and Candice Clabaugh of California; and five grandnieces and nephews: Danielle and Lenny Hubbard, Lauren and Anna Clabaugh, and Elle Probert. He is also survived by the extended family he and Gerry "adopted" in northwest Arkansas, Shirley and Gordon Garlington and their children, J.J. and Alicia, and Alicia's children, Cory, Kameron and Charlzie Jones. Special gratitude is also expressed to his caring church family and three faithful friends, Diane and Wood Harlan and Sherry Harris, and also to the caring staff at The Meadows in Bentonville. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2015, at First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, with the Reverend Georgia Senor officiating. A reception will follow the service. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, 901 Northeast "J" Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.

Published February 25, 2015

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