Clarence "Cliff" Ellis Stelte

Cliff was 83 years old and had called Upland, California home since 1978. He lived a life filled with honor, integrity, laughter, hard work, and unwavering devotion to family and faith.

Born on December 28th, 1941 in Springfield, Illinois, to Frank Vincent Stelte and Jessie Marie Allen, Cliff was the proud eldest of eight children. He was preceded in death by his beloved sister Joanne, and is survived by his siblings John, Tom, Bob, Susan, Joe, and Cathy, who will forever cherish his guidance and love.

After graduating high school, Cliff answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force in March 1960. His service took him across the globe — Turkey, Japan, Australia, and countless bases throughout the U.S. and abroad — where he built lifelong friendships and a deep sense of pride in his mission. A dedicated Air Force Sergeant and Vietnam-era Veteran, Cliff embodied duty, loyalty, and courage in every chapter of his life.

Cliff was so much more than his titles. He was a Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Step-Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Mentor, Pharmacist, Neighbor, Volunteer, and Friend — but above all, he was Papa.

He will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, humor, humility, generosity, and endless patience. His presence brought comfort, his words brought clarity, and his love brought strength.

Cliff’s first and forever love was Mary Margaret Reynolds, whom he married on February 8, 1964. Together, they raised two sons, Michael Allen Stelte and Stephen Patrick Stelte. Their son Patrick passed away on December 8, 1973, and Mary followed in 1980 — both leaving everlasting imprints on Cliff’s heart.

In 1982, Cliff found love again and married Myra Arlee Church, beginning another chapter of family and faith. Through this union, Cliff became a proud stepfather to Darion, Heather, Drew, April, and Tirone — embracing each as his own with the same warmth and care that defined his spirit.

Cliff’s greatest joy came from family. He was blessed with eight daughter and sons-in-law — LeeAnn, Susan, Joyce, Bruce, Alan, Barbara, Michael, and Christina — and 19 grandchildren: Nicholas, Matthew, Carolyn, Brandon, Garrett, Zachary, Ashley, Briana, Alexandria, Katrina, Kyle, Casey, Nigel, Reilly, Nathaniel, Tiffany, Alyssa, Linsey and Aidan.

Known lovingly as “Papa,” Cliff’s heart grew even fuller with 9 great-grandchildren — Shepherd, Walker, Matthew, Gavin, Ryan, Keegan, Jaxon, Emily and Desmond,— each one bringing him endless joy, laughter, and pride.

Cliff lived a life of love, service, and legacy. He taught by example — to work hard, laugh often, forgive quickly, and cherish every moment. His faith never wavered, his love never faded, and his laughter will echo through the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Papa, you will forever be in our hearts.

Your love, your lessons, and your light will live on through every life you touched.

Your legacy will never fade — because you taught us how to live, how to love, and how to serve.