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Clovis Roundup Community Newspaper . 11
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Let’s Talk Clovis: Cliff and Mary Steward Clovis Unified School District as carpenter. He became supervisor of service plant operations at CSU, Fresno in 1969. He would retire from there in 1989. PEG BOS He was a dedicated community servant. Historian/Clovis Museum He served on the Clovis Police reserve Sponsor (1954-1957) and received their honorary Cliff and Mary Rosano Steward shared member award in 1954 and their life memthe love they had for each other after 64 ber award in 1974. When the police departyears of marriage with Clovis, the city they ment created a mounted patrol, he rebuilt loved. The David Rosano family migrated corrals at the Clovis rodeo grounds for their from Italy in early 1900s. In 1906, they use. purchased a large home on 60 acres of land Cliff was involved with the Clovis Boys at the intersection of Peach and Shaw. They League from 1958-1976. In addition to planted a grape vineyard and the entire fam- helping maintain the baseball diamond, he ily worked long hours to make their farm built a new concession stand and a booth for successful. the announcer. Mary and their girls would Mary was born on June 8, 1924 at the operate the concession stand. In 1964, Cliff Clovis Sanitarium in Old Town Clovis. received the Rex Phebus Award for his outShe graduated from Clovis High School standing contribution to youth. in 1943. During that era, numerous Clovis He joined the Clovis Rodeo Associapacking sheds provided additional income tion in 1966 and served on their board of for families during seasonal harvests. directors for 25 years, serving as president In 1945, pretty Mary was working as a in 1981 and 1982. He helped build a new packer at the Lamanuzzi and Pantaleo pack- rodeo building, restrooms and rodeo stands. ing shed. She was determined to meet the Their five grandchildren would ride with handsome truck driver, Cliff Steward, who “Papa” while he disked the arena prior to arrived each day to pick up the fruit shipthe opening of the rodeo. ment. The couple began to date. Mary was a stay at home Mom until Cliff was born in Norman, Okla. in their children were raised. In 1965, she took 1927. His family arrived here in 1937. He a part time job with Theta Chi Fraternity at left Clovis High School in 1945 to join the CSU, Fresno. She was their cook and house Army. Cliff and Mary were married in Jan- mom. uary 1946 when he returned on leave. The members quickly grew to love While Cliff served in Japan, Mary conand respect her, even when she employed tinued to work and save money for their required disciplinary actions. She retired first home at 219 9th Street. The couple lat- in 1985, but continued to receive thanks er moved to 836 Oxford where they raised and praise from the many young men she their children Doylene, Shirley and Duane. served. Cliff was a master carpenter. He worked She was always there for her family. Her for Western Homes prior to joining the projects included a garage full of Girl Scout
Courtesy of Clovis Museum
Cliff and Mary Rasano Steward were married for 64 years.
cookies and providing homemade cookies as room mother. Mary coordinated her 1943 class reunions and she became passionately engaged in “save the class stones” at Clovis High School when they were in jeopardy of being displaced. In 1985, she joined the Clovis Hospital Guild and was recognized
as the “oldest active member of the guild” in 1997. In 1997, Mary and Cliff were inducted into the Clovis Chamber Hall of Fame. Cliff served as grand marshal of the Clovis Rodeo in 1999. They are an important part of our rich heritage.
