Date of Birth
Jul 01,1904
Date of Death
Dec 23,2006
Cliff NeelyAge 102, a centurian, of Robinson, IL, formerly of Batavia, passed away December 23, 2006, at the Cotillon Ridge Nursing Center in Robinson, IL. BORN / EARLY YEARSHe was born July 1, 1904, in Elm Rock, PA, the son of Warren Jasper and Ada Elizabeth (Clover) Neely. His father was a well driller and in 1914, came to Aurora with his family to drill a well for the former St. Joseph Hospital.They remained in the Chicago area where Cliff met Florence Mull and they were married October 31, 1925, in Chicago Heights. They moved to Michigan for a time, where Cliff learned to fly and owned three air planes. They made their home in Michigan until 1945 when they moved to Batavia, IL. They built the first home in Woodland Hills and Cliff became a member of the Batavia Moose Lodge. He drilled wells all over the Chicago Metro area and passed that heritage to the sixth and seventh generations of the family. Through the years, Cliff and Florence enjoyed traveling the world the world as well, and often spent winters in Mexico. In 1971, they retired to Patagonia, AZ where Cliff pursued his love of fishing and made his own poles and flies. He also planted and raised a huge orchard of Peach trees that produced abundant harvests of fruit. Among his many interests, Cliff also raised honey bees, collected and sold honey in Arizona for a number of years. He was an avid hunter as well, enjoying the pursuit of deer and elk. In the early 90’s they returned to the mid-west and settled in Robinson, IL where Florence passed away in 1993. Through all those years to the very last, their grandson, Larry and his wife Susan, faithfully looked after Cliff and Florence, making their last days, all that they could be. LIFE NOTES The stories of Cliff’s life and work are the stuff of well drilling history across the country. Yet the hard working hands that made that history, had a soft side that held the hands of children and the hearts of his loving family. He had much to teach and to share, yet he would listen with love and gently say, "I see…" Today, loved ones miss him dearly, but knowing he is truly "Home for Christmas", they too can say, "I see…" and know heaven is now home for Cliff and Florence and all is well. SURVIVORS He is survived by One son, Harry (Donna) Neely of Elburn, Seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren:Kathleen (Robin) Lawson of Elburn,and their son, Brandon Lawson;Larry (Susan) Neely of Robinson, IL, and their family: Jason and Matthew Neely, both of Robinson, IL;Mark (Dede) Neely of Sugar Grove, IL and their family: Steven Neely of Elburn Daniel Neely of Sugar Grove, IL;Emily Neely of Sugar Grove, IlCindy (Jeff) Swanson of Lily Lake, IL and their family: Eric and Troy Swanson, both of Lily Lake, ILKelly (Jack) Moorehead of Springdale, AR, and their son:Jake Moorehead;Julie (Scott) Grenwaldt of Indiana, PA, and their family:Christopher, Jonathan and Jaqueline Grenwaldt;And, Amy Neely, also of Pennsylvania. PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his wife, Florence and one son, Richard.VISITATION / FUNERAL Memorial services will later be announced. Perhaps in the spring of 2007. Arrangements entrusted to Conley Funeral Home, Elburn. Details will be published when they are confirmed for a future date. Condolences and memories may be mailed to the family in care of P.O. Box 66 or via e-mail attached to Cliff’s obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information call 630-365-6414