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Retta will be remembered for her steady life in Sussex County, for her love of books and children, and for the family she held close throughout her years.

Retta W. Clifton, née Warrington, passed away on October 5, 2026, at Cadia Renaissance Healthcare in Millsboro, Delaware. She was born on August 2, 1927, at home in Harbeson, Delaware. A lifetime Delaware resident and Sussex Countian, she spent her long life rooted in the community she knew and loved.

Retta served as a school librarian at several local schools in Sussex County. She loved books and loved children, and those qualities were reflected in the work she did through the years. When physically able, she was a member of Milton Wesleyan Church, now Water's Edge.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale W. Clifton Sr., who died on July 30, 1997; by her son, John David Clifton; by her parents, John Samuel Warrington and Anna King Walls; and by her sisters, Ethel Hastings, Pearl Warrington, and Leah Betts.

Retta is survived by her family, who will remember her with love and gratitude. She leaves behind her daughters, Carol Sherwood and her husband Rick, and Karen Weer and her husband Jim; her son, Dale W. Clifton Jr. and his wife Lisa; and her daughter-in-law, Maryann Clifton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lisa Lombardozzi and her husband Pat, Heather Gillin and her husband Brian, Brett Sherwood and his wife Ann, Ashley Weer, Jimmy Weer III and his wife Lauryn, and William Childers. Her memory will also be cherished by her great-grandchildren, Patrick and Emily Lombardozzi, Conner Johnson, Foster Sherwood, Sophie Gillin, and Tessa and Naomi Weer.

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A lifetime Delaware resident and Sussex Countian.

A burial service will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery of Milton, Union Street, Milton, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent in Retta's honor to: Friends of Milton Library, 121 Union St. Milton, DE 19968 For: The Summer Reading Program. 

Retta will be remembered for her steady life in Sussex County, for her love of books and children, and for the family she held close throughout her years.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton. Online condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com/.