Connie Gene Van Cleave

Connie Gene Van Cleave, 83, of Saint Johns, Florida passed away peacefully Thursday, January 23, 2025 while in hospice care at Silver Treasures Saint Johns.

She was born October 10, 1941 in Honolulu, Hawaii, the daughter of William and Dorothy Bowen (Clark). William Bowen, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force as a fighter pilot was stationed at Pearl Harbor, all surviving the events of December 7, 1941.

Connie married James C Van Cleave on May 20, 1961 in Mattoon, Illinois.

She was a member of the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church in Urbana, Ohio and enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, stained glass projects, gardening and shell collecting.

Connie served as an Administrative Assistant at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church from 1993 until retirement in 2005 and as a volunteer at Green Hills Retirement Community in West Liberty, Ohio for several years following retirement.

She was preceded in death by husband, James C Van Cleave on July 10, 1996, mother, Dorothy A Carruthers and sister Barbara A Bowen.

Connie leaves behind her children: James E. Van Cleave and daughter-in-law Laura of Saint Johns, Florida; Randal J Van Cleave of Maineville, Ohio; Laura L Raterman and son-in-law Charles of Urbana Ohio; sister Judy K Brownback of Mattoon, Illinois; brother John R Carruthers (Michele) of Sigil, Illinois; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Following cremation, a family service will be held on Sanibel Island, Florida at the convenience of family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.