Dorothy Marie Clayton

Dorothy Marie Curtis Clayton, age 97, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend died peacefully surrounded by her family in West Branch, Michigan, on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Dorothy was born March 1, 1926, the second of ten children of Ira Glen Curtis and Edwyn Sarah Stillwagon Curtis. She developed her homemaking skills at an early age assisting her mother and father in caring for her eight younger siblings while growing up on a farm on the corner of Stillwagon and Lehman Roads. Dorothy married the love of her life, James L. Clayton on September 19th, 1943. Jim and Dorothy built their first (and only) home on Diebold Ranch Rd where they raised their family of six children. The twins (Jack and Jim) arrived in October 1944 followed by Chuck in December 1945. With three babies less than 15 months old, Dorothy decided a break was needed before having Tom in 1947. Still hoping for a girl or two, Julie was born in June 1953 and Rose in April 1958. The family was now complete!

Dorothy had always wanted to be a nurse and finally in 1974 after raising her children she was accepted into the nursing program at Kirtland Community College. After two years of studies, she graduated with a nursing degree and worked for 15 years at Tolfree Memorial Hospital, retiring at the age of 65. Prior to becoming a nurse Dorothy worked as a sales clerk for Blumental’s Department Store in downtown West Branch and also when the store was later renamed Fashion’s and Thing’s.

Dorothy's favorite times were spent with her family, with grandchildren being at the top of the list. She also loved camping with her husband and family, always enjoying a good campfire. Dorothy was an avid gardener growing fruits, vegetables, and perennial flowers which she shared with many neighbors and friends. “Preserving Summers Bounty” also known as “canning” was one of her great joys. She was a seamstress sewing most of her daughters clothing and later enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and crafts. Throughout her 70’s and 80’s her routine included a two mile walk with her now deceased sister-in-law and friend Arzel Stillwagon.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Jack Clayton, Jim Clayton, Chuck Clayton, Julie Globke, and Rose (Mark) DeMatio, all of whom reside in West Branch, except for Chuck, who lives in Perry. Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren: John (Ann) Clayton, Holly (Brian) Brindley, Rusty (Ian Matthew) Clayton, Jimmy (Lupita) Clayton, Matt (Angie) Clayton, Jennifer (Shawn) Berry, Brian (Lisa) Globke, and Robert (Meaghan) DeMatio. She was also blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her siblings David (Carol) Curtis and Mary (Gerald) Lucas and sister-in-law Joan Curtis. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her loving husband, James, who passed away in 2012. She also mourned the loss of her son Thomas Clayton, daughter-in-law Pat Clayton, second daughter-in-law Pat Clayton, son-in-law Jeff Globke, daughter-in-law Claudia Clayton, and three grandchildren, Preston, Charles, and Mark. Her five brothers and three sisters George (Mel) Curtis, Leith (Irene) Curtis, Glen Curtis, Virgil (Jeanne) Curtis, Carl (Elaine) Curtis, Betty (Bob) Coleman, and Geraldine (Adam) Oliver.

Despite these losses, Dorothy displayed remarkable strength and continued to be a pillar of support for her family always relying on her faith in God to get her through. Dorothy was a member of the Edwards Community Church, and she also attended Ogemaw Hills Church.

The family would like to thank those people who, with kindness and love, were attentive and caring friends in Dorothy’s later years, including Ila Fegan, Carol Dillon, Donna Vest, Mona White, and Becky Scott.

A visitation will be held at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at the funeral home on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Jon Scott will officiate. The burial will follow at Edwards Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Edwards Community Church.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com