Joan Marilyn (Buell) Clay was born on November 18, 1934 in Hilton, New York to Arlona Buell. Everyone who knew her, went by “Marilyn.: Marilyn died June 28, 2022 in The Legacy assisted living home in Billings, Montana.
She graduated from Hilton Central High School in 1953. After graduation she worked at the Kodak Corporation, matching negatives with their perspective photos. One fond memory was coming across photos of Roy Roger and family.
She married Kenneth Clay on June 5, 1954 in North Greece at the Methodist Church. They lived in Long Island, New York until Kenneth got discharged from the Army. From this marriage came three children- Jon, Callie, and Jess. Following along with six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Kenneth and Marilyn worked on several cattle ranchers throughout their lives. In which some, Marilyn did lots of cooking for the cowboys when they were down working at their end of the ranch.
She would start her meal plans in advance, putting many desserts in the freezer to save time later. She also made her own bread and rolls. There weren’t any leftovers when they finished!
She made all of Kenneth’s shirts, and clothes for her children when they were young.
They had gardens and she did lots of canning and freezing of produce. She had an incident while canning tomatoes… the pressure cooker malfunctioned and she had tomatoes all over the kitchen, including the ceiling!
They retired from ranching and purchased a home in Hysham. Kenneth passed away in 2015. Marilyn will lay to rest next to him at the Ranchers Cemetery in Myers, Montana.
Thank you to the Stillwater Hospice staff for the care and attention mother received while staying at the Legacy in her last days. Thank you also to the Legacy staff for mothers needs and cares during her three month stay.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Debbie Anderson says
I’m so sorry to hear of Marilyn’s passing. I met her and Ken at Rosebud Health Care Center. They were very nice people. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shawn Mitchell says
Jon, Callie, and Jess
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a sweet lady. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Shawn Mitchell
Carol McNutt says
Jon Callie, and Jess, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom, she was so sweet and fun to visit with. You will be in our thoughts during this tough time.
Belva Arvik says
Jon, Callie, and Jess– Harold and I have many great memories of working along-side Kenneth “Pete” and Marilyn and all of you. We moved you around alot on the PV–Steele place, Ridge Camp, Butte Camp. But, wherever you lived you all worked hard and did a good job of caring for things. And when you left a camp things were in perfect order–the house, the buildings and especially the fences. Marilyn kept us well fed with her yummy meals and I remember her making the cowboys leave their spurs in the porch. Too hard on the floor and furniture she said. We’re thinking of all of you in your loss and thankful that Marilyn is at peace. Our love and prayers, Harold and Belva and the PV Crew
Myron & Mary Beth Kibler says
Jon, Callie & Jess, we’re so sorry for your loss. Reading this returns me to the 1970s when Marilyn & Kenneth lived in our Sand Springs community. Lots of fun times.
Darla stanton says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My mom and her were good friends.
William Starkey says
Jon, Callie, Jess
I am sorry for the loss of your mother, Marilyn. Marilyn and Kenneth became friends of our family in the latter half of the1950s when we lived in Douglas, Wyoming. On a trip to Montana,May 2021, a visit was arranged with Marilyn
in Hysham. It was especially enjoyable fore it had been quite a long time since seeing Marilyn in person. Although separated by distance, we remained in contact by Christmas card and phone . She will be greatly missed.
Debbie Clifton Toavs says
Jon, Callie and Jess,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. She was a great woman and will be missed by all of those who were blessed to know her. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.