Theresa Clayton

Surrounded by her family, Theresa Ann (Crews) Clayton, 51, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2008 at Mercy Medical Center following a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Monday, May 12, 2008 at
Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 PM Sunday at the Funeral Home.
Born June 30, 1956, Theresa was the second of three children to Philip and Carolyn (Edge) Crews. Theresa graduated East High School in 1974 and took continuing education classes at DMACC throughout her life. To know Theresa was to love her. She was intelligent, funny, dedicated, involved, extremely loving and kind, a hard worker and determined. At the time of her passing, she was employed at CDS in Des Moines, a position she dearly loved.
On July 23, 1994, Theresa married the love of her life, Dennis Clayton, and together they became the instant parents of five! No one would have ever guessed this was a blended family. Under Denny and Theresa's constant love and guidance, these five children bloomed into thoughtful, kind, loving and gentle adults. Her marriage and family was her greatest love. She never did anything she didn't believe in completely and she absolutely believed in her family. Anything the children were involved in, so was Theresa! Even on days when no one wanted to get up for school, Theresa would sing at the top of lungs "Wake Up, Wake Up" until they would scurry from their beds and beg her to quit singing!
Denny and Theresa were involved in Earlham's Freedom Fest, the JC's and many other civic activities and were always available to help. Together they became Master Gardners and grew magnificent vegetable and flower gardens when they would sell at Farmers Markets. Their yard was an envy to everyone. She loved fishing, camping, nature and birds! She was extremely artistic and loved to do pottery, arts and crafts.
Theresa is survived by her husband, Denny; their children: Lindsey (Jason Johnson) Bauman, Chad Bauman, Sara Marie Clayton, Sara Jo Saylor and Jacob Clayton. Her parents, Phil and Carolyn Crews; sister Tammie (Tony) Palazzo; brother Tim Crews. Her precious grandchildren: Justin, Joey, Chloe, Ty and Jack; six nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles; and a host of co- workers and friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nursing staff at Mercy Medical Center, especially Dr. Shreck, for the wonderful care and concern given Theresa during this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to further address Theresa's love of nature.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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