Kimberley S. Clayton

Kimberley Sue (Evans) Clayton was born May 29, 1961 in Marshall to Dale L. and Beverley (Kramer) Evans. She was received into the Kingdom of God through Holy Baptism at Grace Lutheran Church, in which church she later confirmed her faith. Kim began her education at the Russell Elementary School and continued in Russell High School. On May 29, 1979, she graduated as valedictorian of her class. In 1983, Kim completed her formal education at South Dakota State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business and Marketing. She utilized her degree while working as a National Marketing Manager for Huisken Meats by developing and designing the Trails Best Meat snack line. In 1991 Kim began a career with the American Cancer Society where she spent over 15 years raising local, state and national funds to fight the disease that would later claim her life. On February 8, 1997, Kim was united in marriage to Michael Clayton at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Marshall. On November 24, 1999 they welcomed their son Austin into the world. The couple made their home in Marshall for six years. Mike was employed as a pharmacist for Shopko and Kim served as the Minnesota Director of Income Development for the American Cancer Society. In 2006, Kim, Mike, and Austin moved to Alexandria where Mike was employed with K-Mart Pharmacy and Kim was a stay at home wife and mom. Together, the family did extensive traveling throughout our great country: from hunting in Wyoming to Twins spring training in Florida, every moment was filled with new adventures. In her youth and throughout her college and adult life, Kim was a strong advocate of 4-H and related livestock activities. Her expertise in showing and judging livestock, her creativity in sewing and her ability to serve as a peer and adult mentor guided Kim as she achieved individual and team state and national honors. Two of her greatest joys were working with and watching Austin as he showed his purple winning swine and conference judging projects and visiting with old and new friends, always remembering the good times. Always a student at heart; Kim’s interests and learning extended from nature to the creative arts. Whether she and Austin were inviting birds to their backyard, creating a new flower bed or teaching a quilting class, she was a resource to many. Kim was a dedicated wife and mom; volunteering through the years for church and school activities and as a Hockey and Baseball Mom. A gracious hostess, Kim enjoyed planning and entertaining in her home for family and friends. Whether it was a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or a family weekend trip, the events were well planned and successful. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends---who will all remember her friendly nature and warm smile. After a long, hard-fought battle with multiple myeloma cancer, Kim was received in the loving arms of our Lord on Thursday, August 28th. She is lovingly remembered by her husband Mike and son Austin; her mother Beverley Evans of Balaton, Mother and Father-in-law, Jim and Lorraine Clayton of Glenwood, brother Corey and his wife Jennifer of Balaton and their sons Colin, Derek and Colton, sister-in-law Mary Wussow and special friend Colin Wilde and her daughters Steph and Heidi of Garfield; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Dale and her infant sister Michelle. Many give thanks for sharing the life of Kim. Beyond her days as a loving daughter, wife and mother, she was a loyal friend, generous to all with wisdom through caring, always upbeat and creative, she found no person she could not call a friend. As we celebrate Kim’s life, we say goodbye to our beloved treasure.

Kimberley S. Clayton

May 29, 1961 - August 28, 2014