Johnnie Raye Clegg, age 89, passed away on October 28th, 2016 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. “JR” as she was affectionately known, was born on Nov 10, 1926. After marrying Milton “Dike” Clegg, they moved to Queen Creek to settle on the Combs & Clegg Ranch, where it became the largest producer of turkeys and chickens in the state. The J.O. Combs School was named after her father. The family later moved to Chandler to raise their two sons. Eventually JR pursued her love of books, graduating from the University of Arizona with her Master’s Degree in Library Science. She found a job working as the librarian at the Nogales High School where she stayed till she retired. She then returned to Chandler and after the death of her husband, started volunteering with the Tempe Historical Society. Her faithful service earned her the 1998 volunteer of the year. JR is survived by her daughter-in-law Laura Clegg, three granddaughters, Jenna (Derek) Kirkland, Lisa (Chad) Barrett, and Jayme Clegg, 8 great grandchildren, three nieces, Paula McCullough, Trish Combs & Valerie Phillips and close friends, Wayne and Linda Minde. JR was predeceased by her husband, Milton K Clegg, her two sons, Carson and Jeff, 2 brothers and 1 sister.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Valley. Graveside services will be held at the National Memorial Cemetery at 23029 N Cave Creek Rd, Phoenix on Thursday, Nov 3rd at 10am.