V. Dell Clayton

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August 4, 1941 - July 4, 2024

Our adventure loving husband, father and grandfather peacefully passed away July 4, 2024. That was very fitting since his favorite thing was to be on some adventure for the summer holiday!

He was born in Murray, Utah to Virgil and Audrey Gillen Clayton. He earned his Eagle Scout Award, graduated from Murray High School and attended the University of Utah. He served in the East Central States Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He married the cutest girl at Murray High School, Betty Jean Markowski, February 14, 1963. Together they had 3 beautiful daughters. Betty and Dell served together as temple workers at the Draper Utah Temple.

Dell was super service oriented and used his talents and creativity to help others. He built several homes, finished many basements and loved improving living conditions for those he cared about. He also enjoyed a meaningful career at Utah State Retirement Systems as a Property Manager.

Dell worked as hard as he played! He loved boating at Lake Powell, dirt biking in Baja, camping anywhere and golfing at some of the finest courses around the globe! He and Betty traveled the world. He loved to travel and explore. He was so grateful for all the colors of nature and loved being outdoors. It was a goal of Dell’s (not so much for Betty) to travel to every continent! He was successful at that and visited his favorite ones much more than once!

Friends and family were super important to him. Dell loved to tease and was the life of the party. He made deep and lasting relationships with many people. His favorite things in life were being with people and visiting new places.

Dell is survived by his devoted wife Betty; daughters, Natalie and Brian Preece, Teresa and Gary Ellis, Annie and Eric Woodward; grandchildren, Mandolyn and Tyler Hanson, Clayton and Nicole Preece, McKell and Stuart Johnsen, BriAnne and David Coats, CalDon and Kenzie Preece, Cailie and Kade Dearden, Liesl and Parker Baldwin, Tyler and Sarajane Ellis, Elder Ryan Ellis, Elder Justin Ellis, Jordan and Reagan Woodward, Blake and Haley Woodward, Ian and Kailey Woodward and Ellie Woodward; and 23 great-grandchildren with one more little boy coming this fall!

Dell is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Audrey Gillen Clayton, sister Beverly, and nephew Layne.

Special thanks to the Lone Peak Imaging Department who became true friends and were catalysts in helping Dell get the care he needed. We love Lone Peak Imaging!

We are truly grateful to Dr. Steven Desautels and to Shauntel from Angel’s Crossing for their knowledge, friendship and loving tender care.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, July 13, 2024. Viewing 10:00-11:45 am; Funeral 12:30 pm; Internment at Larkin Sunset Gardens 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road (10600 S) Sandy, UT 84092. Streaming services available at LarkinMortuary.com.

To watch the service via zoom, please follow this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89703569648