Barbara "Babs" Cluse

Barbara "Babs" Walton Cluse, 72, of Manilus, passed away on March 13 after a long battle with cancer. Babs was born on September 15, 1945 in Charleston, WV to James B. Walton and Mary Peg Walton. She spent her early years in Beaver, PA before moving to Dewitt in middle school. She attended Jamesville-Dewitt High School, where she met her husband, Robert T. Cluse. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH.

Babs had a love of travelling and was especially fond of the beach where she was happiest with her toes in the sand, snacking on a bag of chips and a hellava good dip. A long time member of Onondaga Golf and Country Club, she will be remembered for her smile, infectious laugh and tremendous kindness. She treated friends like family and will be missed by many.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bob, as well as her daughters Wendy Cluse (Lisa Goshe) of Portland, OR and Robin Cluse of Charlotte, NC and her grandchildren, Rob and Molly Freeman, both of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her brother, William Walton of Damariscotta, ME along with numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Babs was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Sue Ann Walton Wissig.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff at Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, St. Joseph's Hospital, Upstate University Hospital and Hospice of Central New York for the years of treatment and care they've provided.

As Babs request, services will be private and there will be no calling hours. The family invites friends to celebrate her life at a reception on Saturday, March 17 from 1-4 pm at the Calvary Club, 4801 Troop K Road in Manlius. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Hospice of Central New York, 990 7th N. Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 or to the charity of your choice.