Beth Ross Clayton Arnold

On Jan. 9, 2007, Beth Ross Clayton Arnold, dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, departed this life to join her loving family members and friends who have preceded her into Paradise. Her father, mother, sister, and two loving husbands are among those departed souls who have awaited her arrival there.

A service for family and close friends will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, at the LDS Winder 5th Ward Chapel, 1361 E. 40th S. Salt Lake City, Utah, with a viewing at 9 a.m. Interment will be at the Wasatch Lawn cemetery in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Born to Thomas Edward and Matilda Bell Ross on January 8, 1919, in Joseph, Utah, Beth was the third of three children, Mark Bell and Barbara being her siblings. Beth never knew her father, Thomas, who died from an infection when she was only nine months old. Often she spoke of the grand reunion where she would come to know her father. Raised by her loving, caring and devoted mother, Matilda, Beth grew with her siblings to learn of sacrifice, devotion to family, hard work, and faith in God. Beth married Edward Vincent Clayton of Preston, Idaho, on July 26, 1939, being sealed in the LDS Logan Temple. Beth and Ed were loving parents to four children, Edward Vincent, Jr., David Ross, Kathryn, and Dwight Melvin. Beth devoted herself to her children, family, and God, selflessly giving of her love, time and energy to bless the lives of her family and her extended LDS "ward families." Beth loved music and loved to sing, and was a longtime member of the Winder and Winder 5th Ward choirs in Salt Lake City. Beth lovingly joined her brother, Mark, and sister, Barbara, in caring for their long-widowed mother, Matilda. Beth taught her children the worth of this grand soul, who was seasonally welcomed by Beth and her family as part of the growing Clayton Clan. She taught her children to love and care for "Big Grandma."

On June 13, 1972, Beth's life took an abrupt turn with the unexpected death of her husband Ed, at age 57. She gathered strength from her children, extended family and friends to face that which had long been her mother's lot. However, in 1973, Beth met, dated, and married Benjamin Edward Arnold, of Orem, Utah. Thereafter, Beth found herself with a "new life". Very new. Ed Arnold was a rock hound, a prospector, a dune-buggier, a fifth wheeler "gypsy," and a nature buff. Beth wasn't any of these. But, under Ed A's patient instruction, Beth became all of those and loved every moment of their 11 years together, before Ed A died of an encroaching illness. Beth took strength, once again, from her faith, family, and friends, accepting an invitation to live with her sister, Barbara, and her husband, Grant Webb, in Elsinore, Utah. Beth lived with the Webbs until they both passed away circa 1992. Thereafter, Beth moved to St. George, Utah, where she lived near her son Vince and three of his grown children and their families. Her last year was spent in Moses Lake, where she lived near her daughter Kathy and two of her children. She made many new friends in that short time and she will be missed there.

The final years were good to Beth. She filled her "twilight years" with family, friends, service, and infectious happiness. Beth was good for those around her, enriching their lives through friendship and service. She will be remembered by family and friends as a happy, caring, loving person, as well as a person of faith and devotion to God.

Beth is survived by her brother, Mark B. Ross of Riverton, Utah, her children, Vince (Janet), Ross (Marilyn), Kathy (Don Turner) and Dwight (Leta), 24 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, numerous extended family, and countless friends and acquaintances who have been touched by this special soul.

On behalf of our dear mother, we thank all who may entertain fond memories of her. Indeed, she left many precious memories that will continue to touch and enrich our lives. Until we once again embrace in the Life Hereafter, we trust, dear mother, that you have taken with you a sure knowledge that we love you and are eternally grateful to God for your having touched and shaped our lives so profoundly.