Cleo Hill

Cleo Jean (Chesley) Hill, the daughter of Earl and Kathryn Chesley was born June 10, 1933, in Sutherland, IA. Cleo's childhood years were centered in Sutherland until graduation from high school, when she started taking classes at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA. Cleo's goal of a college degree was temporarily sidelined when that pesky Hill boy (Roger) who lived down the street, came back from sowing his wild oats in California and the Navy and proposed marriage in 1956. With only a moment's hesitation, she accepted and thus began the adventure of a lifetime. Roger and Cleo lived and worked in the cities of Primghar, Calumet, Sutherland, Marion, and finally Sutherland again before staring their business, 'Steamway Carpet Cleaners' in 1971. With any private venture, the public may assume its success is based entirely on the man whose face arrives at their door. Little thought is given to those people behind the scenes who are working every bit as hard to make that business thrive but with little recognition, and that person was Cleo. If supporting her husband's dreams throughout the years were not challenge enough...Cleo also had the task of raising their three children, Suzanne, Penny and Scott. With the sale of the business many years later, Cleo decided it was now time to go back to school and fulfill her dream of a college education. Forty years after she first set out in her quest, Cleo earned not one but two degrees, Sociology and Psychology. It was now her opportunity to shine. From then until retirement it was Cleo who was the driving force, and Roger in the supporting role, as they managed various assisted living homes in California, Iowa and Minnesota. Not one to simply relax and enjoy her time off from work, the welfare of senior citizens became a focal point in Cleo's life. She spent countless hours in travel and seminars educating elders in the intricacies of Medicare benefits or registration, and the innumerable issues that senior citizens must deal with on a daily basis. The Willoway senior complex in Sutherland greatly benefited from Cleo's knowledge and understanding of assisted living management and organization. So much of Cleo's time was spent volunteering in elder affairs, that in 2002 she was recognized with an individual certificate of appreciation at the Twentieth Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards ceremony. Cleo's love of family knew no depth, and family extended to her church, her community and anyone who called her friend. She said farewell to many of these family members throughout the years, but with a deep commitment to Christ and an unwavering faith, she knew she would see them all again. Cleo passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2016, at the Hawkeye Care Center in Spirit Lake, IA at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Earl, Edward and James Chesley; and lastly by her beloved husband, Roger, just 30 days prior. It was only natural that Cleo joined Roger so soon in death as they could never stand to be apart for long in life. Left to cherish her memory are three children: Suzanne and Michael Goodman of Ventura, CA, Penny and Joel Moellers of North Liberty, IA, and Scott and Kathi Hill of Spirit Lake, IA; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Betty Hoger of Paullina, IA; other relatives and many friends.

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