Winifred L. Clayton

Winifred “Winnie” L. Clayton of Cedar Falls, Iowa passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, at the age of 94, at the NewAldaya care facility in Cedar Falls, Iowa. She was born on October 26, 1930, in Beaver Township, Butler County, Iowa to George and Maud (Stirling) Dove. Winnie was a graduate of New Hartford High School. She married Clark E. Clayton on April 16, 1949 at the Methodist Parsonage, New Hartford, Butler County, Iowa. Winnie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Clark; daughter Kathryn (Don) Jessen; siblings: Wallace, Kathryn, Keith, Donna, and Dallas; and her great grandchild, Theodore. She is survived by her sons, Roger (Kay) Clayton of Waterloo, Iowa; David (Thoa) Clayton of San Jose, California; son-in-law, Don Jessen, of Iowa City, Iowa; and seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Winnie loved spending time with her family and discussing current events, books, (especially mysteries and historical novels), all kinds of sports, (Iowa Hawkeyes fan), and catching up on family news. She was fiercely independent and lived in her own home until recently, adapting to significant challenges with sight and hearing. She was an avid puzzle solver, and an excellent home Jeopardy player. If one happened to visit during Jeopardy, they better be ready to play! Throughout her life, one of Winnie’s favorite things to do was work in her garden, tending to her plants and flowers. In better health, she went for daily, long, and fast (!) walks. She was skilled bowler, taking home many trophies, while having fun with friends in her league. She also volunteered at the hospital, donated blood regularly, and sold raspberries that she grew in her garden. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Winnie relished a good cookie and was known by her family for making the best ones, especially at Christmas. Winnie will be greatly missed and always in our hearts! Winnie deeded her body to the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, as her husband and daughter did previously. She will be laid to rest in the Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City, Iowa, following her service to medical education and research. In memoriam, donations may be sent in her name to: Cedar Falls Public Library 524 Main St. Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50613

Winifred L. Clayton

October 26, 1930 - September 12, 2025