Cliffa Jean Stiles

Celebrating the Life of Cliffa Jean Truitt Stiles

With gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Cliffa Jean Truitt Stiles, whose kindness, devotion, and caring spirit touched generations of family and friends.

Cliffa Jean was born on April 9, 1938, on a family farm in Gainesville, Texas, to Clifford and Georgia Truitt. Although Cliffa was her given name, she quickly was known by her middle name, Jean. She was raised on a dairy farm alongside her older siblings, Charles and Louise, where hard work was simply a way of life. From an early age, she learned the value of dedication, responsibility, and caring for others through the daily routines of farm life.

As the youngest of her siblings and the youngest among her cousins, Jean held a special place in her family. As nieces, nephews, and second cousins came along, she naturally embraced the role of caretaker. Her nurturing heart and gentle presence became hallmarks of her life, foreshadowing the calling she would faithfully pursue for years to come.

After graduating from Gainesville High School, Jean followed her passion for helping others by moving to Dallas to attend nursing school through Southern Methodist University and Dallas Methodist Hospital. It was during this chapter of her life, through her roommates, that she met the love of her life, Gene Stiles, who was serving in the United States Air Force.

Though separated by miles while Gene was stationed in Austin and Jean continued her nursing education in Dallas, their love only grew stronger. After two years of a long-distance courtship, they were married and soon began their life together with an exciting adventure overseas when Gene was transferred to England. 

For the next 17 years, Jean embraced the life of a devoted military wife, faithfully supporting her husband and family through each new assignment. Together they were stationed in Texas, the Philippines, Delaware, Virginia, and Arkansas, creating a home wherever the Air Force sent them. During those years, they welcomed and lovingly raised their three children-Clifton, Rita, and Marla. While balancing the demands of military life and motherhood, Jean continued her nursing career whenever opportunities allowed, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to caring for others.

Following Gene's retirement from the Air Force in 1974, the family settled in Fort Worth, Texas, and later made their home in Burleson. Jean resumed nursing full time, serving at St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Plaza, where she cared for patients as both a medical-surgical nurse and an oncology nurse. She was known not only for her clinical skill but also for the compassion, comfort, and dignity she extended to every patient. The impact she made reached far beyond the hospital walls, leaving lasting impressions on countless individuals and their families during some of life's most difficult moments.

A lifelong Methodist, Cliffa Jean's faith was the foundation of her life. Since 1988, she was a faithful and devoted member of First United Methodist Church of Burleson, Texas, where she found joy in worship, fellowship, and serving alongside her church family. 

Outside of her profession, Jean expressed her love through the gifts of her hands and heart.

She was a talented seamstress whose creativity blessed family and friends. She also delighted in preparing delicious homemade meals that brought her family together around the table, creating treasured memories that will live on for generations.

Family was the greatest joy of Cliffa Jean's life. She loved her family deeply and treasured every moment spent with them. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren held an especially special place in her heart. Whether sharing a home-cooked meal, celebrating holidays and milestones, or simply spending time together, she delighted in watching each new generation grow. They brought her immeasurable joy, and she was immensely proud of each one of them.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Rita Guhl and Marla Bennett; her son-in-law, Brian Bennett; her grandchildren, Mary and Nate Chapman, Joshua Guhl and Maribel Cardona, Bryce and Jordan Bennett, and Micah and Danielle Bennett; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Anna Chapman, Margo and Henry Guhl, Bronx and Brewer Bennett, and Carter Bennett. She also leaves behind extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, Gene Stiles; her cherished son, Clifton Stiles; her parents, Clifford and Georgia Truitt; and her siblings, Louise Crawford and Charles Truitt.

Since receiving her diagnosis of lung disease in 2020, Cliffa Jean fought with remarkable courage, grace, and unwavering dignity. Through every challenge, she remained steadfast in her faith and surrounded by the love of her family. Cliffa Jean Truitt Stiles passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the age of 88. May she now rest peacefully in the arms of her Lord and Savior, reunited with all those who have gone before her, embraced by the eternal peace she so faithfully believed in. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

These words beautifully reflect Jean's life. She fought with courage, loved without reservation, served with compassion, and remained steadfast in her faith through every season. Her legacy of kindness, service, and unwavering devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Jean's life was truly one of grace, service, and enduring love-a life beautifully lived.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Burleson on Monday,July 20, 2026 at 11:00am with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Laurel Land Funeral Home, Fort Worth, Texas.

Memorials can be given in her name to the First United Methodist Church of Burleson local mission of Pac Min Ministries.

Mountain Valley Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral services.