Ruth Clayton

Ruth Audrey Clayton, 89, of Monrovia, completed her earthly journey while on her own terms at home and went to meet her Lord and Savior during the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2020. She was born on May 20, 1931, in Johnson County, to the late Alva S. and Dorothy Marie (Surface) Zaring. A straightforward, giving, and resourceful woman, she was raised on the Southside of Indy with three siblings. At the young age of 15, she married William James Clayton. Her sister Ruby married William’s brother Roy and the two couples shared a close relationship. After William’s time in the Navy, he ran a Shell station in Beech Grove and they lived in the back of the station. Ruth’s parents encouraged them to move to Baltimore Road in 1959 and they established a fine home with three children. Ruth held many jobs from working at RCA in the 40’s to a glass factory in the 60’s but the job that suited her best was that of the homemaker. A selfless volunteer and tireless matriarch, she was always willing to step in and help where needed. Since there were thirteen years between her oldest and youngest child, she was able to serve as a room mom in the Monrovia PTO for over two decades. Respectably teaching Sunday School for 22 years at the Monrovia Christian Church, Ruth helped instill traditional Christian values in not only her children, but several others as well. In the last few years of her life, she served on the board of the Monrovia High School Alumni association. She was a fifty plus year member in the Order of the Eastern Star and enjoyed time with the Monrovia Homemakers Club. A couponing connoisseur, Ruth was frugal enough to search for the bargain, yet she would splurge and buy several of each item on sale. When prodded or pushed, she took on the stance of a lion - keeping many cashiers honest. She was not afraid to use her voice to stand up for her consumer shopping rights. Ruth accumulated quite the pile of unopened treasures in every room of the house and was known to always gift and share with family and friends. She took pride in her appearance and led by example. Eager to be in the warmth of sun and sand, she loved to travel to Florida during the winter months. Having a second chance to join in hand and heart once widowed, Ruth bonded with a fellow church friend, Kenny Wright and together they blended families, shared a home and paired lovers and friends over the last decade. They had so much fun traveling across the US visiting national parks and great grandchildren. Never tiring or one to back down, she gave all her might to win the good fight. Gaining peace in the promise of Jesus and victory in eternal rest, Mrs. Clayton completed her walk with faith and her legacy was left in love that was planted in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love her. Leaving behind her loving companion, life partner and friend, Kenny Wright of Monrovia; children, Gayle DeFur (husband, Mike) of Plainfield, David Clayton (wife, Deborah) of Monrovia and Donna Willis (companion, Mark Dugan) of Greenwood; sister, Virginia Wallace of Martinsville; along with seven beloved grandchildren, Debbie DeFur, Michael DeFur (wife, Page), Angie Vinson (husband, Curtis), Leslie Watkins (husband, Ray), Chris Clayton (wife, Ashley), Sydenie LeFay, and Aimee Weisheit (husband, Oliver); and seven adored great grandchildren, Laura, Alina, Isaac, Michael, Natalie, William, and Lucas. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband and children’s father, William James Clayton; along with her sister, Ruby Francis Clayton and brother, Edward Roland Zaring (Rawlin). Friends and family may visit from 12 Noon, on Saturday, August 15, 2020, in Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel, Monrovia, until the Celebration of Life Service begins at 2:00 p.m., Pastor Steve Ranson will officiate the services and burial will take place in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to the Monrovia Alumni Association, PO BOX 264, Monrovia, IN 46157. CURRENT COVID19 GUIDELINES: All attendees will be required to provide and wear a mask upon entering the funeral home. Please remain courteous and mindful throughout the duration of services by practicing safe distancing and avoid touching and hugging while greeting the family. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence or light a candle in her memory search Light Memorial Funeral Chapel on social media or visit www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Ruth Clayton

May 20, 1931 - August 11, 2020