Charlynn Vawn Clift

Charlynn Vawn Clift (Lieutenant Colonel Retired ARMY) passed away surrounded by her loving family on 8 May 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Born in Oscoda, Michigan, on 6 October 1956, she graduated from JFK High School on Guam and attended University of Guam and received a Masters of Business Administration.

Char spent her career as a Signal and Personnel Officer for the Indiana National Guard from 1982 - 2012. She spent her career serving the Indiana National Guard with two deployments to Afghanistan and multiple command and leadership roles throughout the state. She received many awards and recognitions for her outstanding leadership and service with her highest award being two Bronze Stars.

Char was not only a friend and mother, she was also MawMaw and Great MawMaw. Char lived a life defined by deep devotion to her family, a passion for exploring the world, and an unwavering presence in the lives of those she loved. If she wasn't on a cruise or traveling the world, she was attending her grandkids games, shows, musicals, school activities and outings.

She was preceded in passing by her father William (Bill) Wells and stepfather Cliff Huffman.

She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Rick Clift; daughter Natalie Hankins (husband, Corey); daughter Rachael Iles (husband, Jason); son Alfred Saguid (wife, Tiffany), stepson Rick Clift Jr (wife, Kerry); stepson Randy Clift (Allie Geiger); stepdaughter Kara Mance; mother Dorthea Huffman; stepmother Lynn Wells; sister Darlyne Wells; half-sister Arlyne Wells; grandchildren Jamus Iles (wife, Heather), Alayna Iles, Cordale Hankins, Kelsie Hankins, Thomas Saguid, Austin Saguid, Ryan Clift, Brennan Clift, Evan Clift, Andrew Clift, Sawyer Clift, River Clift; and great grandchild Dominic Iles.

A public viewing service will be held from 2:00pm – 3:00pm Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Flanner Buchanan – Speedway Funeral Home, Speedway, Indiana. Service will follow from 3:00pm - 4:00pm.

The family will lay her to rest with military honors on Monday, June 1st at 9:30am at West Ridge Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana. Family and friends are welcome to attend.