Claudia Clayton

Claudia Jean Nihart Clayton, 77, left us to be with her Lord in Heaven on April 24, 2023, peacefully while in hospice care in her winter home of Sun City, Arizona. Her husband and son were by her side. Born to Earl and Ada (Sellers) Nihart on October 4, 1945, in Lansing, MI, the youngest of three girls, Claudia attended Lansing Eastern High School. Charles and Claudia married on November 13, 1966, and made their home in Perry, MI where they raised their three boys. After the boys grew up and left for their own adventures Claudia and Chuck found they enjoyed seeking out the warmth of Arizona during the winter months in Michigan. After Chuck retired they began to spend nearly half the year there where Claudia enjoyed spending time with the desert cottontail rabbits, jackrabbits, and quail that frequented their backyard. Claudia enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and ice cream- chocolate was her favorite. She had a feisty spirit that enjoyed a good debate and when she won, it made her smile from ear to ear. Raising three sons she knew what it meant to stand your ground, as those boys often tested her patience. Being a Christian she knew what it meant to stand firm in her faith. She could often be heard sharing her faith with loved ones; she wanted to be sure she would see them again when their time came. It spoke of her caring and loving heart. Claudia loved her pets; she loved to hear a good story being told; she enjoyed playing good-natured jokes on people; and she loved her family. She will be dearly missed. Claudia is survived by her husband of fifty-six years, Charles Clayton; her son Matthew (Angela); daughter-in-law, Allison Schluchter; her sister, Sharon (Nihart) Craney; several nieces and nephews; as well as several loving grandchildren. Claudia is predeceased by her parents, Earl and Ada; sister, Sandy (Nihart) Huver; and sons, Charles Dean, and Mark Alan. . In lieu of flowers please send donations to Graham Community Church, Perry, MI in Claudia’s name.

Services will be Saturday, July 29, 2023. Visitation with the family at 10:00am, service at 11:00am, with a luncheon at 12:00pm all at the church. Graham Church 7320 W Beard Rd, Perry, MI 48872