Melva Lavean (Lee) Clayton

Lavean Clayton, 80, of Farmington, passed away with loved by her side on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010, She was born Aug. 14, 1930, in Safford, Ariz. to F. L. and Eva Lee. Lavean and Richard Clayton were married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on Nov. 7, 1950, and recently celebrated 60th anniversary. Lavean was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who always made sure those around her knew they were loved and appreciated. Her secret to life was to believe in yourself and having the desire and discipline to accomplish it. Lavean's faith was unfaltering. She held numerous callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lavean was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Fayetta; daughters, Jolean and Julean; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Richard; a very large family of more than 100 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including sons, Richard Clayton (Lynnea), Ronald Clayton and Roger Clayton (Brenda); daughters, Lorrolee (Charlie Hamill), Carolyn (Greg Hamblin), Merridee (Art Womack) and Roxanne (Leslie Kerby); brothers, Maurice D. Lee, James Morgan Lee, Douglas Lafe Lee and Jerry Kay Lee; sisters, Deloris Goodman, Thora James, Claudean Martin, Carol Luella Jones and Karen Loretta Lee. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home, 103 E. Ute St. in Farmington Funeral services for Lavean will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, in the Knudsen Building at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1310 E. 25th St. in Farmington with Bishop Bruce Goss conducting. Interment will be at Memory Gardens, 6917 E. Main St. in Farmington. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute St Farmington, NM 87401 (505) 325-8688