Ben Rush Clabaugh

Ben Rush Clabaugh, 96, of Bentonville, Arkansas, died Friday, February 20, 2015 at Northwest Medical Center of Benton County in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born on September 6, 1918, in Marshfield, Coos County, Oregon, son of Walter Lazelle and Eva Rush Clabaugh. He graduated from the University of Oregon where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree and was a member, with his brothers, of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He served in the U.S. army from 1942-1945, stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii. Remaining in Honolulu, he managed the Harder Company and in 1947 married the love of his life, Geraldine Straw. In 1963, he joined Owens-Illinois as an accounts manager, moving first to Portland, Oregon, and later to the San Francisco area. In 1977, Ben and Gerry retired to Bella Vista, Arkansas. Through his retirement years, he was an avid golfer and tennis player and enjoyed traveling, ballroom dancing, reading and Razorback sports. He was an active, beloved member of First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, where he served as an elder. He was predeceased by his wife, Geraldine, and two brothers, John Rush Clabaugh and Bill Rush Clabaugh. A loving uncle, Ben is survived by nieces and nephews, Sally Powers of Chico, California, Mark Clabaugh (Jaye) of Arlington, Virginia, Nancy Pobert (Gary) of Reno, Nevada, and John Clabaugh, Jim Clabaugh, and Candice Clabaugh of California; and five grand-nieces and nephews: Danielle and Lenny Hubbard, Lauren and Anna Clabaugh, and Elle Probert. He is also survived by the extended family he and Gerry "adopted" in northwest Arkansas, Shirley and Gordon Garlington and their children, J.J. and Alicia, and Alicia's children, Cory, Kameron and Charlzie Jones. Special gratitude is also expressed to his caring church family and three faithful friends, Diane and Wood Harlan and Sherry Harris, and also to the caring staff at The Meadows in Bentonville. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015, at First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, with the Reverend Georgia Senor officiating and a reception following. Arrangements were by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, 901 Northeast "J" Street, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.