Florence Ester "Flo" Hawley (Clifford)

Florence “Flo” Ester Hawley, 93, passed away Sunday, October 17, 2021, at Centerpoint Medical Center surrounded by her family. Flo was born July 27, 1928, in Golden, B.C. Canada, to Lawrence L. and Cecile (Clesson) Clifford. She moved to Independence at an early age and graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1947 before attending Graceland University. For 30 years, she was co-director of the Steamboat Arabia Museum in the River Market.
Flo had an award-winning singing voice, and enjoyed gardening and traveling, especially to Durango, Colorado. She was an excellent homemaker and cook for her family. Before serving as co-director for the Arabia, she worked as the bookkeeper for Hawley Service Company and also worked at Montgomery Ward and Bendix Corporation. She was a member of the Community of Christ, Beacon Heights, congregation.
She is survived by her 2 children, David Hawley and his wife Laurie, and Rita Scherer and husband Mark; 8 grandchildren, Brett, Jennifer, Bryan, Mathew, Derek, Kristin, Jessica and Megan; and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Harland “Bob” Hawley, son Greg Hawley and 2 sisters, Mary Nelson and Fern Edsen.
The family visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Sunday evening, October 24, 2021, at the Steamboat Arabia Museum, 400 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 25, 2021, at the Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, Missouri 64055, with inurnment to follow at Mound Grove Cemetery. Donations may be made in her name to the National Steamboat Museum. Direct LINK to Truman Heartland Community Foundation for contributions to museum: Tinyurl.com/j7ww7xes tinyurl.com/j7ww7xes Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (floral arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).