Helen Clayton went home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2019, two weeks shy of her 95th birthday. She was in her home and surrounded by her family.
Helen Ruth Kehoe was born in Texline, Texas, on August 24, 1924, to Fred and Abbie Kehoe. She attended Texas Women’s University and taught school before marrying the love of her life, Bernard Clayton, on Christmas Eve in 1943. She raised six children and was an expert homemaker, cook, and seamstress extraordinaire. She was the first woman president of the Wolfe City School Board and was a founding member of the Wolfe City Public Library. She was very involved at the First United Methodist Church in Wolfe City, Texas, and was an active member of UMW. She loved dancing and is well-known for her homemade baked goods, nursing home visits with her children and her loving attention to each grandchild. She truly had a servant’s heart and leaves an enduring example of Christlike love and hospitality.
Helen was preceded in death by her son Brady, her husband Bernard, and her brothers Crockett and Freddie Kehoe. She is survived by her brother Billy Kehoe and wife Virginia, daughter-in-law Jan Gardner Clayton, and her children: Steve Clayton; Terry Clayton King and husband Jim, Jan Clayton Anderson and husband Bobby; Chris Clayton and wife Anne; Sally Clayton Martens and husband Vern. In addition, she leaves a rich heritage of 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be: Ian, Andrew and Asa Anderson, Brady, Brooks and John Clayton, and William Martens.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 13, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. at Owens Funeral Home in Wolfe City, Texas.
There will be a private family graveside service on the morning of August 14, 2019, followed by a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Wolfe City, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or the Wolfe City United Methodist Church.
Prays for the family of this lovely lady.
Terry, Sally and Clayton families.. Praise the Lord for the life of your mom! Small In stature but a giant in her love of her family and her faith. Joe and I send our love and sympathy as you celebrate your mom and her remarkable life!
So sad for your loss she lived a good life and was a very special lady. Prayers for Family .
Love Billy Frank
So many warm memories of the Clayton family. They are part of the fabric of my growing up. My love to you all.
Terry, we are so saddened by your loss of your Mother. We pray for you and your family to find some comfort in knowing your Mother is with God now and at peace.
Helen and Bernard Clayton were salt of the Earth. I can’t imagine there ever being any better people and they raised a family just as fine as themselves. Anytime we were back in Wolfe City, we always tried to go by and visit. This precious woman will be sorely missed. Peace be with all of the family in this sorrowful time.
I was so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Clayton. I had been wondering how she was doing as I was in Wolfe City a couple times last week. Such a sweet, wonderful lady, and family. I pray that God will comfort all of you during this time and always. A wonderful life lived for sure. My father Larry Murphy grew up just east of the Clayton place so we we were always up at my grandfathers’ Roy Murphy, especially in the summer. He always spoke kindly and highly of Mr. Benard Clayton and family. Dad did also. May God bless you all. Sincerely, Kendall Murphy
Dear Terry and family, I am sorry to hear that your beloved mother passed away. what a wonderful life she lived to its fullest and how much like her you are. You have kept her spirit active and alive through your Christian walk. I am sure you other siblings are also dedicated servants. A mother’s dream is that her children will enrich the world they live in with Christian love. May God comfort you all in the days to come and heal the loss you feel.
So Sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers for your family!
I spent several nights with Brady back in the day @ the Clayton’s. Helen and Bernard were wonderful people!
Ruth was a lovely person with a wonderful family. I am a long time friend of her dear daughter Terry and feel privileged to have met Ruth and Bernard several times. May Helen Rest In Peace.
With love to Terry and all the Clayton family.
Joanne Haidvogl
Mrs. Clayton was such a wonderful woman. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time. She will be truly missed.
The McWhirter Family
I’m sorry for your loss. I wish I could be there today Chris. Know that many of your classmates are grieving with you.
Praying for the entire family .
Such a nice, classy lady and honor to have known her.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hellen was a very sweet Lady., it was a blessing to have Know such a wonderful Lady! RIP Helen Clayton,! Till we meet again!
So sorry for your loss. Such a Beautiful Lady!
I remember she sent food with other members of her church when my cousin passed away. She was a loving and kind person.
Terry- I am sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved mother! I will keep your family in prayer. Sincerely, Arlette
Ms Clayton was the ideal wife, parent, civic leader and she did it all this in a calm sweet voice. She was unbelievable person. I was in the class with Brady. She was a Cub Scout leader. Taught us how to cook a meal by every ingredient in foil and putting in a fire pit. The types of stuff a child will never forget. A wonderful that Lady not only me but every student of the class 1964 would want to say the same. Her legacy will live on in Wolfe City and in the live of each child and all the grandchildren. Bless each family member.
A wonderful lady, I will always remember this precious lady and her family.