Clois Dean Jeffries

Clois Dean Jeffries, age 81, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, July 3, 2026, in Oklahoma City surrounded by those he loved. He was born on January 5, 1945, in Portales, New Mexico to James Murray and Ila "Fay" Jeffries.

Clois was raised in the Lingo, New Mexico, area, he graduated Dora High School, and developed a lifelong love for ranching and the outdoors. A gifted athlete, he excelled on the basketball court and, after high school he, continued his basketball career at both Lubbock Christian University and Texas Tech University. During his college years, he was also known for riding bulls in rodeos, reflecting the adventurous cowboy spirit that remained with him throughout his life. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, from Texas Tech, combining his education with a lifetime devoted to ranching.

On July 22, 2006, he married the love of his life, Dianna Jean (Hinrichs) Jacobs, in Clovis, New Mexico. Together they shared many wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and a passion for the western way of life.

A true cowboy at heart, Clois spent his life working as a ranch hand on ranches throughout Oklahoma and New Mexico. He found great joy in caring for livestock and being outdoors, and there was rarely a project he couldn't tackle. An exceptionally talented woodworker, he crafted beautiful religious crosses, built handmade wagons for children in his family, and created intricate miniature barns and ranch scenes from toothpicks that were remarkable for their detail and craftsmanship. He loved tinkering in his shop, repairing almost anything, and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Clois also treasured the simple pleasures of life. He faithfully enjoyed gathering with friends for coffee in both Clinton, Oklahoma, and Clovis, New Mexico. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing and especially loved taking Dianne dancing. His quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James "Murray" and Fay Jeffries, and by his daughter, DeLynn Jeffries.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dianna Jeffries, of the home; his daughters, JoRie Antuna of Queen Creek, AZ., and husband Javier of Phoenix, Arizona, Megan Jacobs of Clinton, Oklahoma, and Michelle Snider and husband Brad of Clinton, Oklahoma; LaDawn Ridenour and husband Brandon of Arizona; his sister, Linda Erdman and husband Vince of Lubbock, Texas; eleven grandchildren; and many other relatives and dear friends who will cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 11, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church in Clinton, with Rev. Diana Steiner of Clinton, OK and Jeb Archey of Clovis, NM officiating. Services are under the direction of the Lee Hometown Funeral Home. Interment will be held at a later date in Weyert's Lutheran Church Cemetery in Lodgepole, NE.