Carol (Hatch) Clayton

     Carol Clayton, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away after a long life rooted in faith, family, service, and quiet determination.

     Carol was born on March 26, 1930 in Woods Cross, Utah, during the Great Depression. She grew up on a farm with 13 brothers and sisters, where she learned hard work, resourcefulness, and the joy of simple pleasures: playing in the barn, eating green apples with salt, caring for lambs and chicks, and making her own fun long before television entered everyday life.

     She graduated from high school in Weiser, Idaho in 1948.  That same year, she married Eugene “Gene” Powell, whom she had met during a practice for The Mikado.  Together, they built a life filled with four children, many moves, and always church service.  Their family lived in Idaho, California, and Montana, gathering memories everywhere they went.  Carol first endured the heartbreaking loss of her son, Johnnie, at two years of age in 1954 and then her husband, Gene, in 1978, yet she always continued forward with courage and faith.

     Her life was deeply shaped by service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She served in Primary, Sunday School, Relief Society, and Young Women.  She worked in temples and also served multiple missions.  Her missionary service took her to Louisiana, Salt Lake City, Australia, and Family History Centers throughout the South Pacific.  She loved helping others discover their families and gave generously of her time wherever she was needed.

     Carol married Max Clayton in December 1981, who was kind and good to her and her family.  Together, they served in the Atlanta Temple and shared meaningful years together before his passing in 1994.

     In her later years, Carol lived in Boise, Salt Lake City, Twin Falls, and eventually with her daughter and son-in-law in Bliss, where she was dearly loved and cared for.  She passed away peacefully at home on June 30, 2026, and will be remembered for her steady faith, bright smile, love of chocolate and candy, and a lifelong devotion to those she loved.

     She is survived by her children – Cheryl Bishop and Steve Powell, along with 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren, who love her dearly and will miss her greatly.

     She was preceded in death by her sons - Ron Powell and Johnnie Powell.

     Her funeral will be held at the Fairfield L.D.S. Chapel on July 10, 2026 at 10:00 am, followed by a graveside service at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Weiser at 3:00 pm where she will be buried beside Gene.

     Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral Service – Gooding Chapel.

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