Cleo Clara Erwin

Cleo Clara Erwin

Cleo Clara Erwin, a devoted sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and world traveler passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and adventure. She was 94.

Born on February 1, 1931, in Denver, Colorado, Cleo was the daughter of Ed and Betty Stines. She graduated from West Denver High School and went on to attend Denver University. With an independent spirit and a sense of duty, she joined the U.S. Navy Reserve, initially drawn by the promise of a weekend stipend. But when the Korean War broke out in 1950, Cleo was called to active duty and assigned to the School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola, Florida, where she served as a Yeoman 2nd Class.

It was there where Cleo met the love of her life, Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Erwin. Their first meeting came under humble circumstances—Cleo had just arrived in the Florida heat, mistakenly dropped off miles from her destination, hauling a heavy suitcase with no wheels. Richard was the one who welcomed her and helped her find her way. The two were the only Catholics at the school and quickly formed a close bond through shared faith and friendship.

Their friendship soon grew into a lifelong love. Cleo and Richard were married on August 18, 1956, in the chapel on the Navy base where they had met. Their marriage spanned nearly seven decades ~ a testament to enduring love, mutual respect, and a wonderful life built together.

They raised three children who were the pride and joy of Cleo’s life: Richard (Jen), Robert (Bonnie), and Rochelle (Bobby). She poured her heart into their lives and was endlessly proud of the people they became.

Over the years, Cleo’s adventurous spirit took her all over the world. She and Richard lived for five years in Saudi Arabia and traveled extensively during that time. One of her most cherished journeys was a trip around the globe with her husband and daughter, Rochelle. Later, Cleo and Richard settled in Clermont, Florida, where they lived for nearly three decades and built countless fond memories. Cleo's warmth, strength, and sense of humor touched everyone who knew her. She embraced each chapter of life with grace and gratitude and found great joy in her family, her faith, and the stories she gathered through travel and connection.

Cleo was preceded in death by her parents: Ed and Betty Stines; siblings: Rudolph Stines, Arthur Stines, Steven Stines, Al Stines, Barbara Bunting, Richard Stines and her beloved grandson: Richard Erwin III.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 69 years, Richard Erwin; her three children: Richard, Robert, and Rochelle; her grandchildren: Robert, Katie Lynn and Reina; and her greatgrandchildren: Richard IV (River), Layla, Koslow and Charlie; and her baby sister Bernie Rivera. Her memory also lives on in the hearts of extended family and countless friends around the world.

Cleo was cremated, and her ashes will remain with Richard. When the time comes, the two will be interred together at Arlington National Cemetery—together, forever.

A memorial service will be held on June 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bluffton, South Carolina. A second service will be held in Napa Valley on August 18, 2025, on what would have been their 69th wedding anniversary.

Cleo’s life was one of remarkable love and courage. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.