Clarice Duff, age 96, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, August 4, 2024.
Clarice grew up on a family farm in Rosemount, Iowa with her eight brothers and sisters where she learned the value of hard work and an undying devotion to family and faith. She graduated from East High school in 1945 and later met Jim Duff, her husband of 54 years. (Rumor has it she stole Jim away from Ms. Iowa who Clarice reported wasn’t that cute.)
Clarice was the consummate homemaker who could simultaneously corral multiple children, prepare a gourmet meal and throw a fabulous dinner party without breaking a nail. She was an avid bargain shopper and a clothes and jewelry aficionado who was always impeccably dressed, no matter the occasion. She was a classy, gentile, independent lady who never failed to impress with her wit and wisdom.
Clarice was a long-time parishioner and a frequent volunteer at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
She is survived by her sons Thomas Duff and Robert Duff (Anais); daughters Sheila Reeser, Nancy Eaton (Scott) and Karen Seemann and by six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband James Duff and son Craig Duff.
A visitation will be held at Merle Hay Chapel at 4400 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines on Thursday, August 8, 2024. from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral service will be held at St. Mary of Nazareth Catholic Church located at 4500 Meredith Drive in Des Moines on Friday, August 9, 2024, at noon. A luncheon will immediately follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Central Iowa.
