Marilyn Chloene Warnick Clayton, age 76, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2020 surrounded by her family and her eternal companion at her home in Sutherland, Utah. She was born on April 12, 1944 Tooele, Utah, the oldest of four children to Van J and Adah Carole Black Warnick. She married Howard E. Clayton on June 29, 1963 in Deseret, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on May 29, 1968.
Marilyn loved the outdoors and spent her younger years in the rodeo arena. She was Days of the Old West and Hinckley Rodeo Queen. Upon graduation, she spent the summer at the Grand Canyon giving trail rides. This was a highlight of her youth.
She worked as a telephone operator, travel agent, and many years as secretary of the Livestock Auction. She loved to travel and said she was part gypsy. Her bags were always packed and ready to go. She loved the water and spent many years at the ‘Rez’ and camping in Oak City Canyon with her family.
She enjoyed taking care of her family. She taught her daughters to cook and sew. You could always count on Granny to have sugar cookies or cinnamon rolls or she would throw together a pot of chilli or food. Granny’s home was open to any and all for games, food, and a hand of Rook. She had a most memorable and infectious laugh. Anyone who has heard it knows what we are saying. If you ever got a bump or a stubbed toe, you would hear that “Warnick Cackle” that has been passed down through the generations. She made everyone feel special. Everyone felt they were her “Best Buddy”. Her grandchildren will especially miss her “Alligator Kisses”.
Marilyn had a deep faith and enjoyed serving in the church. She spent many years working with the youth in Stake and Ward Young Womens. One of her favorites was Girls Camp. She also held many callings in the Relief Society, but her favorite was Primary Chorister. Marilyn and Howard were called to serve in the Manti LDS Temple 23 years ago, and later to the Payson LDS Temple. She loved doing genealogy work, meeting new people and connecting with old friends. She knew many of her temple friends for more than 60 years and they were a great joy to her.
Above all, her greatest joy was being a mother, spending time with her grandchildren, and loving and supporting our dad. She will be missed by all!
Marilyn is survived by her husband: Howard Clayton, Delta; children: Penny Jo Clayton, Delta; Cody (Michael) Harris, Spanish Fork; Neil (Sharalyn) Clayton, Delta; Portia (John) Willoughby, Delta; 11 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; brothers: Jay (Lisa) Warnick, Jim (Evelyn) Warnick; sister: LeAnn (Russ) Church. She was preceded in death by her parents: Van and Carole Warnick.
Graveside Services will be held on Wednesday, June 24 at 11:00 am at the Delta City Cemetery. Public Viewings will be held at the Nickle Mortuary on Tuesday, 6:00-8:00 pm; and Wednesday, 9:00-10:30 am, before traveling to the cemetery.
