Mary Ann Clayton, 91, of Monmouth, Il, formerly of Overland Park, KS passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Courtyard Estates, Monmouth.
Mary Ann was born June 7, 1934, in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Luther “Ray” and Iva (DeVasher) Hobbs. She was raised and educated in Overland Park, KS, graduating from Olathe High School in 1953, Olathe, KS.
Mary Ann married Owen Clayton on June 21, 1953 in Lenexa, KS and he passed away on April 26, 2014.
She worked as a teacher’s aide for over 20 years, where she was beloved by the students. She was very attentive making sure not so popular kids felt special. She made many lifelong friends at her job.
Mary Ann spent all her life in Johnson County, KS, except for her last few years in Monmouth, IL, where she was lovingly cared for by her daughter Gwen and son-in-law Donnie. Her grandchildren were also very attentive, making her last year’s fun and entertaining.
She was a wonderful cook, known for her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, Texas cake, and popcorn, which were unmatched in quality. When someone had a difficult situation, she was there with a cake or pie.
Mary Ann had a special talent for working and riding horses, winning many trophies at the American Royal and other riding contests. As a young girl she was a member of The Rodeo Kids and a lifetime lover of horses.
Mary Ann loved playing various card games, especially with her grandchildren. She was a good loser but did not have to exercise that quality very often.
It says it all when your family, your lifelong friends, people you worked for and with, and children think you are the shiniest of stars in their lives. Mary Ann, oh, Mary Ann you are going to be missed beyond measure. See you later alligator.
Mary Ann is survived by her daughter Gwen (Donnie) Bockelman of Monmouth; three grandsons, Brad (Amanda) Bockelman of Galesburg, IL, Brian (Kara) Bockelman of Heyworth, IL, and Kyle (Sara) Bockelman of Monmouth; and six great-grandchildren; her brother David (Liz) Hobbs of Shawnee, KS.
She was predeceased by her parents, her husband; son, Steven Clayton; and her sister, Donna Rae Moore.
The family would like to thank the Courtyard Estates staff and Hospice Compassus for their excellent and compassionate care.
A celebration of life will take place at 2:00 pm, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Mt. Moriah Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO. Cremation has been accorded. Interment will take place beside her husband and next to her parents at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the local arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.
