Anna May (Maurer) Clinton, 92, of Peoria, IL/Epping, NH passed from this life on November 11, 2024, at Briarcliffe Cottage in Johnston, RI. Ann was born December 19, 1931, at her family’s farmhouse in Forrest, Illinois, the child of Martin and Leah (Heinold) Maurer. She attended Wing School and graduated from Forrest High School in 1949. She attended Normal Teachers’ College graduating with a degree in Home Economics. She began teaching the following year at the newly formed Limestone High School (LCHS) in Bartonville, Illinois, where she spent the next 35 years. She taught Vocational Home Economics which included Foods, Clothing, Child Care, and Family Living.
Later she received her master’s from the University of Illinois and specialized in teaching Child Care and Family Living. She began a preschool program for 4½-year olds which gave her students practice in planning activities, snacks, and games for small children. What began as a program for teachers’ children grew and many of her preschool children later were in her Child Care classes; some of them went on to become teachers and aides in that field. This program is still in operation today.
In 1956 she married Jack Clinton, a fellow teacher at LCHS. Ann is survived by two sons: Randel (Lisa) Clinton of North Attleborough, MA and Robert Clinton of Smithfield, RI, four grandchildren: James Clinton (Antoinette) of Littleton, CO, Amanda Clinton (Kyler) of Colchester, CT, Tiffany Clinton of Smithfield, RI, and Matthew Clinton (Julie) of Astoria, NY, and two sisters: Lucille (the late Robert) Zimmerman and Louise (the late Clifford) Troyer of Waterford, PA, and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack, her parents, brother Roy (Ann) Maurer, and two sisters Bernice Bammann and Katherine (Wilbur) Steingraber.
Ann was active in Home Economics Education and a member of the Illinois and local Vocational Organizations. She was a member of the National Federation of Teachers, I.F.T. and Limestone Teachers Association. She loved working with young people to prepare them with skills for homemaking and child rearing in the modern world. She herself was a good example of being able to manage working and keeping a family together.
Ann and her husband, Jack, loved to travel and had the opportunity to visit Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, England, The Holy Land, China, and Korea. As a member of the Friendship Force, they hosted people from many countries and enjoyed the cultural exchanges it provided.
She was a 48-year member of the First Presbyterian Church of Peoria, IL, where she taught Sunday School. Most recently she was a member of First Federated Church where she participated in Women’s Club and Sunday Supper Club. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, Eta Chapter, the Friendship Force of the New Hampshire Seacoast, and the Hedding Camp Meeting Association.
Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. Cremation will be performed at Anderson Winfield in Greenville, RI. A Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Danville, IL.