Ruth Ann Clinger Mentes

1938 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Ruth Ann Clinger Mentes < >

Ann Clinger Mentes passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday December 7th, 2022. She was born August 24, 1938 to Dr. Wallace M. Clinger and Ruth Cloward Clinger in Salt Lake City, Utah. As the eldest of six children in the Clinger home, she set an example of reading books, diligently practicing musical instruments, developing good study habits and socializing with friends.

She attended East High School from 1954 to 1956 and the University of Utah from 1956 to 1960. She was affiliated with Alpha Chi Omega sorority where she cultivated lifelong friends. She served as Panhellenic president at the U of U from 1959 to 1960 and graduated with a BS in Education. Her grandparents, Dr. Ralph E. and Betty Cloward, encouraged further postgraduate education; in 1961 she completed a Masters in Special Education at Columbia University, New York City. Upon graduation, she taught school at the USAF base in Itazuki, Japan for several years. In 1964, she accepted another assignment with the USAF to teach in Bremerhaven, Germany. Ann returned stateside in 1965 to teach elementary school in the San Bruno and Cupertino school districts in the Bay Area. She met her husband, Robert Martin Mentes in 1968, married in 1969 and settled in Los Altos, CA for the next 30 years. Their two sons, Michael and Russell, were their pride and joy.

Ann returned to her Salt Lake City roots in 1998. She enjoyed her retirement years with dear friends, activities with the Utah Symphony Guild, attended University of Utah OSHA classes and traveled throughout the United States, Russia, England, China, Australia and India. Ann was a passionate traveler and an ardent student of world history and affairs. She was never seen without a book, newspaper or notebooks throughout her life.

Ann is survived by her 2 sons, Michael Gorham (Tracy) of Salt Lake City, Utah and Rusty Mentes (Amy) of Sutherlin, Oregon, Rebekah C. Ericksen, Tempe, AZ, Richard Clinger (Jeri) Sacramento, CA, Cordell Clinger(Shauna) Salt Lake City, Utah and 6 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Susan Clinger Metzger (David) and Ralph M. Clinger (Tami), Yucca Valley, CA.

Services will be held Wednesday, December 21st at 11 AM at Larkin Mortuary on 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation with family and friends at 10 AM to 10:45 AM. Burial will be at Wasatch Lawn, Salt Lake City, Utah. Recording of the services are available via Zoom. Please click on the “Watch Services” link above. A free Zoom account is required and you must be logged in to your Zoom account to view.



Guestbook/Condolences

Clinger will miss you on facebook. May God bless your family as they adjust to your absence. Lots of great times in school. You were always happy and so fun to be with.Rest in Peace. Sue


- Sue Eliason Turner Mannos

I've known Ann for many years. "Wow," do I have many great memories of her! She was a life-long self educator: teaching children, watching movies and eating popcorn, going to plays, lectures, symphonies and traveling extensively throughout the world. Ann always had a book to read wherever she went-I will miss the many titles of books she recommended (thanks Cordell).
My condolences to all of you family members for your loss!


- Patricia Ann Whitney

What a wonderful loving and kind soul. ...until we meet again.


- Doug and Jo Clinger

How blessed am I to have such a wonderful dear friend as Ann. We new each other since ZCMI There was not enough time each month when we had our visits. I so admired this amazing lady my special friend. I no you will always be in my thoughts and my heart forever .I love you, my special Ann 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️


- Beccy Searle

Cordell and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Ann. I met her once and she was a true gem! Hopefully all the great memories will give you peace. Lots of love, The Butlers


- Marshelle Butler