Patricia Ann Clever

Patricia Ann Clever, age 91, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 17, 2026.

Born in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the youngest daughter of Jean Marie Wadel and Lester Miley Wadel. From an early age, she embodied the values of faith, integrity, kindness and an unwavering work ethic that would define her life.

Patricia married the love of her life, Don Juan Clever and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family and love. They lived in Lebanon, Indiana for seven years, then Greencastle, Pennsylvania for three years before making Orange County, California their home in 1969.

Patricia enjoyed an accomplished professional career, holding executive positions within the aerospace and manufacturing industries before serving the final thirty years of her career as Labor Relations Director for the Federal Government. She earned the admiration and respect of colleagues through her professionalism, intelligence, fairness, and exceptional leadership. She retired from the Federal Service in 1995.

Following retirement, Patricia moved to Orcutt, California to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. Retirement did not slow her desire to serve. After joining her Church in Santa Maria, her extensive administrative background quickly became apparent, and she was invited to become the church’s Office Administrator. She faithfully served her church family for many years before retiring from that position over a decade ago.

Patricia devoted countless hours to serving her community through numerous leadership positions. She served on the Boards of the Friends of the Orcutt library, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, The Minerva Club and the First United Methodist Church and many other organizations. She Believed that giving back was one of life’s greatest privileges.

Those who knew Patricia will remember her as one of the most positive people they ever met. She never spoke a negative word and had an extraordinary ability to see the good in every person she encountered. Her encouraging spirit, warm smile, unwavering faith and compassionate heart were gifts she freely shared with everyone.

A gifted seamstress, Patricia lovingly created treasured heirlooms for her family, including wedding gowns, christening outfits, first communion dresses and beautiful custom draperies. She was also an expert swimmer and enjoyed a lifelong appreciation for staying active and healthy.

Above all, Patricia’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother, proud great grandmother and faithful friend whose love, wisdom and quiet strength shaped generations.

She is survived by her daughters, Lu Anne Marie Gonzalez (Boise Idaho) and Sherri Lynn Earl-Pearson (Orcutt, California); grandchildren Eric, Stacy, Daniel, Thomas, Jonathan, Christopher, Jeffrey, Joshua and Kevin; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Robert Clever; numerous nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog Korra.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don; parents Jean and Lester; sisters Erma, Mary Jean, Doreeen, Louise and Winnona; and brother Lester.

Patricia’s life was a beautiful example of Christian faith in action. Through her steadfast love, generous service, unwavering optimism and complete trust in the Lord, she left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

While her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in the promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing that Patricia is now in the presence of her Lord and Saviour and reunited with her beloved Don and those who have gone before her.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure and her love a gift that will remain in the hearts of her family forever.

Patricia knew kindness. She believed every person deserved encouragement, every problem had a solution, and every day was a gift from God. Her unwavering faith, gentle spirit and joyful heart made the world a better place. Though she will be deeply missed, her example will continue to live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know and love her.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Spring Hill Cemetery with Pastor Laura Kincaid officiating. There will be no public viewing.

In Lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in Patricia’s name to The Friends of the Orcutt Library, 175 S. Broadway, Orcutt, CA 93455 or the Alzheimer’s Association Research, 2595 Interstate Dr., Suite 100, Harrisburg, PA 17110.