Clover Lee ("Lee") Wolford

The family and friends of Clover Lee Wolford celebrate a life that was as full and rich as God allows. Clover Lee (“Lee”) Wolford was born on May 10, 1930, in Lansing, Michigan. She attended Rockford College in Rockford, IL, for two years before transferring to Michigan State University, where she graduated with a BS in Retail Merchandising. After graduation, she worked for JW Knapps department store in Lansing as a Training Director in the Human Resources Department. While working at Knapp’s, she met and ultimately married Herbert (“Herb”) A. Wolford, who was studying veterinary medicine at MSU. After graduating from MSU, they moved to the Wilmington, Delaware, area where Herb conducted a large & small animal veterinary practice. Several years later, Herb and Lee decided on a major life change, and Herb enrolled in dental school at the University of Maryland. Upon completion of his dental studies, Herb and Lee relocated to Lansing Michigan and opened a dental practice. Lee managed Herb’s veterinary practice as well as his dental practice for 32 years until his retirement.

While in Delaware, she worked for Winterthur Museum and the Delaware Art Museum, combining her love for art, history and antiques.

During her time in Lansing Lee gave much to her community. She was an active member and officer for several organizations in the Lansing and State of Michigan area. She was President of numerous organizations, including the Central District Dental Auxiliary, Michigan Dental Auxiliary, Lansing Women’s Club, where she gave 8 papers during her membership, Ingham County Republican Woman’s Club, and the Sparrow Hospital Women’s Board of Managers also serving as a member of the House/Décor Committee, the Archives Committee, on the Sparrow Board of Directors & the Sparrow Foundation Board. Lee was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Plymouth Congregational Church and a member of its choir. She also volunteered at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester Hill for numerous years.

Ten years ago, Lee moved to Saint Joseph, MI to be closer to family, enjoying their horses and other activities.

Her family came first, which she demonstrated by being present during life’s moments for her daughters and four grandchildren, enjoying their many activities with horses, soccer games, boating and exploring with them.

Some of her greatest joys were raising ten Llamas (she was known as the “Lama Mama”) when they lived on their farm in the Williamston, Michigan, area. Her other hobbies and interests included travel (including one special trip to South Africa), reading, history, antiques, art, music and historic houses. Herb and Lee were boaters and for many years spending summers in Charlevoix enjoying their boat with family and friends.

In a speech that she gave as President of the Michigan Dental Association Auxiliary, she spoke about starting a newsletter in the hope that through “an informed membership it would lead to an involved membership. Apathy can be a creeping, terminal disease. Remember, when you are coasting, you are either going downhill or losing momentum. The flowers of our tomorrows are in the seeds we plant today! We have tried to plant good seeds that will produce a bountiful harvest.” Truly a life well lived by conviction!

Lee is survived by her daughters, Autmn W. Zick (Russell) of St. Jospeh, MI and LeeAnn W. Kendall (Robert) of Hilton Head Island, SC. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Andrea Z. Kuhnen (Rhett) and Erica Z. Wieczorek (Tom), and Robert Kendall (Brandi). One grandchild, Adam W. Kendall, and his wife Kate Leese, predeceased her. She is survived by two great granddaughters, Quinn Wieczorek and Margaret Kendall. Also surviving her is her cousin, Dr. James Myers of Houston, TX, and his family; Dr. David Myers of Mendham, NJ, and her beloved aunt, Barbara Myers, predeceased her.

Friends may call at the Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home,1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing where the family will receive friends Thursday, February 6, from 11:00AM – 11:30AM. A celebration of life service will follow at 11:30 with the Rev. Jeffrey Hubers, Pastor of First Congregational Church, Saint Joseph, MI officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to “TEC” Therapeutic Equestrian Center, www.tecfarm.org, PO Box 1250, Niles, MI 49120; First Congregational Church, Saint Joseph, MI [email protected]; Corewell Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085