obituary- Sam Clouse

Samuel D. Clouse
10-14-1942 ~ 3-2-2011
Long time Huerfano County resident Samuel D. Clouse passed away at his mountain home on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. Sam was born October 14, 1942. He was the third member of four children to join the family in Ringold County, Iowa. He was preceded in death by both parents; sister, Bonnie Pelowski Cline; brother-in-law, Jerdine Barnhart; nephew, Michael Pelowski; nephew, Daniel Barnhart; granddaughter, Lynnette DaPron; grandnephew, Cole Barnhart; and grandnephew Cody Barnhart. This list demonstrates the grief he suffered throughout his time.
Sam and his wife of 26 years, Karen Clouse, pioneered the small mountain community of Shangri-La, where Sam kept the mountain roads clear for neighbors and family so they could make it home. He did this for 20 years. Sam loved his horses, dogs and the many other critters he had.
Sam was able to fix anything he set his mind to. From cement work to electrical, plumbing, technology or anything else, he found a way to get the job done. This was whether he had ever seen the thing or not.
He spent many years traveling to work sites from Virginia to Washington. He has taken part in building grain bins, cleaners, silos as well as helping many with construction work. Sam also traveled internationally as he worked as a millwright in Saudi Arabia, on three separate working tours. He also worked in Morocco on a tour.
Family was very important to Sam. Sisters Barbara Barnhart and Elsie Mae Hardwick only had to ask for Sam’s help on a project and he would be there.
His children meant the world to him. Lynda Kerstetter, Jon Clouse, Shane Clouse, JoEllen Ripple and Cheryl Ferguson also thought very highly of him. Their spouses were also important to Sam. There was nothing better than a phone call to catch up, visiting with grandchildren or the special birthday calls. Sam is survived by a host of family: sisters, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren that held a special place in his heart.
Above all he was a stubborn cuss with a quick reaction for those that crossed what he felt was wrong. He did whatever he could for family and friends giving a helping hand or the shirt he was wearing.
Sam was buried in his upper meadow near his mountain home on March 4, 2011. A memorial service was held at his final resting place on March 6 surrounded by family and friends.