Wanda Yvonne Clayton

Wanda Yvonne Clayton (Belew), passed away from cancer on May 25, 2022. She was born on February 5, 1936 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Carl and Nola Belew. Wanda’s nickname was Toots and it stuck with her throughout her life.

She grew up in Grayville, Illinois. After graduating from high school, she moved to Vernal, Utah. She worked as a telephone operator.
In 1957, she married Willard Clayton. They lived in Midvale, Utah for a short time before moving to West Jordan, which would be her home for 64 years.

As a mostly stay-at-home mom, she was very skilled in all that it took to run a household.

She seemed to have endless knowledge of it all: childcare, scheduling, cleaning, gardening, preserving, organizing, finances, repairs…you name it. And, if she didn’t know, she was always willing to learn.

She had learned to cook at a young age and was naturally good at it. She was often eager to try out new recipes, even if some of them were unusual. An excellent seamstress, she made everything from a wedding dress to Barbie doll clothes. Her skills came in handy while she worked at a sewing factory for a few years later on.

She was also employed at Fred Meyer for many years after her children had grown.

Wanda was actively involved in the PTA while her children attended school and supported them through their many activities. She could always be relied on to be there for them. She was the “Kool-Aid” mom.

She loved doing puzzles and crafts of all kinds.

You could always count on a homemade gift from her. She also liked games, especially Scrabble. It was a big challenge to try and win a game of it against her.

She was an avid reader and liked quotes and sayings. She often wrote them down to keep or share. She had a great sense of humor and was very witty.

Wanda was always up for adventure and travel. She enjoyed visiting and spending time with her family scattered across the country.

She was an active member of The First Baptist Church in West Jordan and then later in West Valley. She also volunteered regularly at the Baptist Concern Center in Salt Lake City.

She was generous and genuine with her time in helping others. She had strong faith and trust in God. Her many friendships enriched her life and brought her much joy.

Wanda loved her family and friends well.

A most wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she will be greatly mourned and missed by all who know and love her.

She is survived by her three children:
Janell Clayton (Bob), Julie Dugan (Dan), and Ryan Clayton (Carol); grandchildren: Joseph, Amanda, Anita, Paul, Amie, and Ashley.
great-grandchildren: Tennysen, Bailey, Yannick, Eska, Eivin, Yuri, Hope, Miller, Nolan, Kandin, Bridger, and Kaysin;
siblings: Pete, Bill and Charlotte.

Preceded in death by her husband, Willard; and siblings: Anita, and James.

A private graveside service will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens in Sandy, Utah.

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