Our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend; Dwight Melvin Clayton, 67, of Sidney, Montana peacefully passed away on September 15, 2021, in Denver, Colorado surrounded by his loving family after a valiant fight with COVID-19.
Dwight was born on February 3, 1954, to Edward Vincent and Beth Ross Clayton in Salt Lake City, UT. He was the baby of the family and Dwight brought such joy that he was nicknamed ‘Golden Nugget’ or Nug for short. He graduated from Granite High School in 1972 and attended Utah Tech for college in Building Construction. Dwight faithfully served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in The Great Australian West Mission from 1973-1975. After returning home, he met his eternal love, Leta Lea Hrubes, and they were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 17, 1976.
Dwight was a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. His life was full of service to all around him. Within moments of meeting Dwight, people’s lives were impacted for the better. He radiated love, peace, and joy. Dwight cherished his wife and lovingly served her. Their marriage was full of joy, and he made sure to make her laugh every day. He was a beloved father and grandfather, and his greatest joy was being with his family. You never felt more loved and safer, than when you were getting a great big bear hug from Grandpa Nuggie. Dwight loved helping people and working hard. He spent many years working as a Facilities Manager for the church, managing many meetinghouses and temples. Dwight was a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many callings such as Bishop, Counselor in the Stake Presidency, Nursery Leader, and many more, but his favorite was being a Sealer in the Bismarck Temple where he bound families together for eternity. He recently returned home from a mission with his beloved wife in the New Zealand Hamilton Mission.
Dwight left us with his testimony, “I know Jesus Christ. I have felt His influence direct my life. I have been enveloped in His arms of love and mercy. I know He is my Savior and Redeemer. He loves me and I love Him.”
Dwight is survived by his wife Leta Clayton. His children Lindsay (Jared) Richhart, Celeste (Matthew) Knight, Diedre (Michael) Wright, Carli (Ryan) Karren, Caleb (Sarah) Clayton, Samuel (Traci) Clayton, Mackenzie (Jon) Stockton, McKenna (Jordan) Roblyer, his foster son Robert Davey, and his beloved 40 grandchildren with 2 on the way. Dwight is also survived by his sister Kathy (Don) Turner and sister in-laws Janet Clayton and Marilyn Clayton Guthrie. His brother and sister in-laws Arlan (Terry) Hrubes, Dave (Jan) Hrubes, Brad (Jerri) Hrubes, and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Beth Clayton, brothers Vince Clayton and Ross Clayton, his in-laws John and Santa Hrubes, and his nephew Scott Hrubes.
Dwight was loved and respected by all those who met him, as has been shown to us by the hundreds of messages and the service we have received after his passing. They have comforted us and lifted us up. Thank you for your care and love for us, and for lifting us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful for the doctors and nurses who took such wonderful care of him, you are angels on earth.
A memorial service will be held in Glendive, MT on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 11:00 am at 1900 N Anderson Ave, Glendive, Montana. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am. On Monday, September 27, 2021, there will be a viewing from 6:00-8:00 pm at 1900 N Anderson Ave, Glendive, Montana. We are grateful for Silha Funeral home who has been entrusted with services in Glendive.
There will be another viewing on Thursday, September 30, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 pm, at Larkin Mortuary 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah. Funeral services will be held on Friday October 1, 2021, at 2:00 pm (MST) at Larkin Mortuary in Riverton with a viewing before the service from 12:30-1:15 pm. To watch the live stream please click on the "Watch Services" tab at the top right of the obituary. You will need to have a zoom account and be signed into it in order to view the service.
We are grateful for Larkin Mortuary who has been entrusted with funeral services in Utah. Interment will be at the Riverton City Cemetery.
I’m from the miles city ward, I don’t know your family, but I have heard wonderful stories about your husband/father/grandfather and how He love our Lord. My heart breaks for the physical loss and emotional loss of this grand man. He has left a legacy that lasts throughout all eternity. Gods blessings.
Dwight, I have known you and your beautiful family for 15 1/2 years ! The first time I met y'all ! I felt instant friendship and love. And like I was family. And still do to this day. In a different way of course. If that makes sense. you have left a and have a beautiful posterity. You will deeply be missed and are so very loved. I am so blessed and grateful to know you and your beautiful family and your cherished spouse lita. And your whole family and I am forever grateful for the years of friendship that's myself and your family has developed over the years. A friendship that is forever! We miss you here on Earth but know you are always watching over those that you love. And over all of us! And to Lita and the rest of the family always know that Dwight is with you always and he's not far away ever. stay close as a family as you already are and stay close. And hold on to each other and our heavenly father. We are so sorry for your loss and we love you all so much and Dwight see you on the other side!
Man, I really can't believe it. President Clayton was such a light. Never once did I feel sadness around him, as he just emanated pure joy. He was a true disciple of Christ, a loving man, and he made me want to be better.
I'll never forget when I interviewed with him to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. He said, "Now Jacob. I want you to promise me. Promise me that you will not only use the priesthood, but you will abuse it. Meaning, take every opportunity to put it to use, to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord."
I've tried to do so ever since.
In life he was an inspiration. In death, I look forward to seeing him again.
Wish I could be there to hug you all. Much love from the Yates family
Leta and family
Such a beautiful service for Dwight. Thank you for your testimonies and for sharing him with many throughout the world. What a beautiful example you are all of following in his path and the goodness he showed others. I'm so sorry he is temporarily out of your physical presence. My prayers continue to be with you as you navigate this earth life. I witnessed with admiration his constant praise and love toward Leta and his desire to do good and serve continuously.
We love you.
Love and prayers,
Linda Despain
To the Clayton family I would like to offer my condolences. I first met my friend in 1968 when I moved into a new home on Montecito Street. The first visitors welcoming our family into the hood were the Claytons Ed, Beth and Dwight. They were such warm loving people. Dwight and I were close through Jr and Sr. High school. We would clean the Mode O Day stores with Ross and Marilyn so we could earn money for a ski pass. Dwight was an excellent skier both water and snow. He was also on the swim team. I have so many good memories of the Claytons and Dwight. The last time I saw him was at his mothers funeral service. He will be missed but remembered.
Bob Lund Friend