Lois Clayton

A mere two days prior to her peaceful journey to meet her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2014 at 2:10 a.m., Lois Edna Clayton led her family in singing a chorus of “Oh When the Saints Go Marching In.” For Lois’ family and friends, to know her was to love her. When she smiled, it was impossible to not smile back. She had the heart of a true servant. Throughout her life she gladly served her family, friends and her Lord and Savior. Lois was born November 14, 1928 to Ruby Allen and Elsie Jane Denton in Kewanee, IL. She was first married to Dorris (John) Free. He passed away in January of 1960. She later married Ralph Clayton. Lois worked over 25 years in the Dietary Department of Herrin Hospital. After her retirement she and her husband, Ralph Clayton, enjoyed several years being caretakers of the Church of God Campground in West Frankfort. Upon leaving that position, they returned to Herrin to live out their retirement years. Lois was thrilled when she became a great, great grandmother as that made her the oldest of a Five Generation Family. Many loved ones are left behind: daughter, Mary Ann West (Ed) of Herrin, two sons Bill Free (Sharon) and Richard Free of West Frankfort and son Terry Clayton (Darla) of Oklahoma. She also leaves grand daughter, Pam Hatley (Tom) of Herrin, and grandsons Danny Free of West Frankfort and Jeremy Clayton, great grand children Tiffany Dobraski (Blake) of Johnston City, Mary Hatley of Carterville, Jordan Hatley of Herrin, Alicia Batteau (Aaron) of Cape Girardeau, Jessica Fowler (Toby) of Benton and Dustin Free of Chicago. Great-great grandchildren, Bennett Dobraski, Maddox Lang, Christian Batteau, Dawson Batteau, Kaiden Fowler, Reagan Fowler and Caleb Fowler. Surviving brothers and sisters include Doris Sanders, Carrie Mae VanVleck, Hyson Denton, Robert Denton, George Denton. She is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Doris Earl Free and late husband, Ralph Clayton, a granddaughter, Amy Lynne West and grandson Larry Free and several brothers and sisters, Oscar Denton, Avis Denton, Paul Denton, Leona Marie Reed and Orville Denton. Funeral services will be 1:00pm Thursday at Van Natta Funeral Home in Herrin. Visitation will begin at 10:30 on Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Herrin City Cemetery on Thursday.