Mary Elizabeth (Lay) Clayton

Mary Elizabeth (Lay) Clayton, 95, of Soap Lake passed away June 28 at Columbia Basin Nursing Home in Ephrata.

Mary was born April 17, 1911 in Hillboro, Ore., to Marion and Marjorie Lay. As a small child her family returned to Bozeman, Mont., where they had originally settled after coming west by wagon train in 1882. She attended Cottonwood School south of Bozeman, Mont. on Nov. 5, 1931 she married Palmore (Doc) Clayton in Livingston, Mont.

In 1951, Mary and Doc made their home in Ephrata. They also spent a short time in Moses Lake before retiring in Soap Lake.

Mary is survived by four sons: Donald Clayton of Benton City; David Clayton of Polson, Mont.; Chet Clayton of Soap Lake; and Richard Clayton of Omaha, Neb.; four daughters: Mary Ann Bolyard of Soap Lake; Adelle Rath of Soap Lake; Nola Williams of Pasadena, Calif., and Lora Fronsman of Soap Lake; 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, numerous great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two sisters and one granddaughter.

Memorial services will be held Monday, July 3 at 11 a.m. at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Soap Lake.

If desired, a memorial can be made to the Columbia Basin Nursing Home or the Community Evangelical Free Church.

Nicoles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.