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Kelley Elizabeth Clayton

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Kelley Clayton Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 8, 2015.

Clayton, Kelley Elizabeth (Stage)

Kelley Elizabeth (Stage) Clayton, 35, of Elmira, NY, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. Kelley was born in Elmira, NY to Howard and Elizabeth (Eckman) Stage. She graduated from Elmira Free Academy and the State University of New York at Oneonta, moved to Las Vegas and worked at the Imperial Palace as a cocktail waitress. Kelley returned to Elmira in 2004 to be closer to the family she loved and adored, and had been working at The Woodhouse Stadium Grill in Corning the past several years. Kelley was a gymnast, enjoyed anything involving fashion, and for the past several years attended the Country Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee with several of her close friends, a trip she truly enjoyed. Kelley's "happy place" was at the beach with her family in Ocean City, New Jersey. Anyone who came in contact with Kelley always knew where they stood with her - she was never one to mince words or hold back her thoughts. She was also the first one to offer kind and encouraging words and would give honest feedback and advice. While Kelley was the light of our lives, her children were the light of hers. She graced us all with her big smile and infectious laughter, and she will be dearly missed. Kelley was predeceased by her father, Howard Stage, the former West Elmira Fire Chief, and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Kelley is survived by her husband of 9 years, Thomas Clayton, and her two beautiful children, Charlie Emma and Crash. She is also survived by her mother, Elizabeth Eckman Stage; sister, Kimberly (Corey) Bourgeois; brother, Leonard (Michelle) Stage; her parents-in-law, Phyllis Clayton and RJ Bates, and Scott and Claire Clayton; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Heather (Mike) Kraft; Brian (Shae) Clayton; Tyra DeCellis; Derek (Kim) Ligeikis; Evan (Melinda) Ligeikis; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. Kelley is also survived by her lifelong best friend, Andrea Spirawk.

"Life is a long and winding ride, better have the right one by your side." Kip Moore

A private service is scheduled for a later date to celebrate Kelley's memory and life.

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Recent Activity

March 7, 2023

Jeannie Wade posted to the memorial.

June 21, 2018

Kevin Yost posted to the memorial.

August 31, 2016

Jeannie Wade posted to the memorial.

13 Entries

Jeannie Wade

March 7, 2023

It's 2023 and not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I know you are in heaven, looking down and protecting. I am so sorry, Kelley!! you were taken way too soon. We love you forever. So many love you! I believe you are with Jesus, waiting. Forever sunflowers and love to you-
Jeannie

Kevin Yost

June 21, 2018

I wish I could have known Cousin Kelley.

Jeannie Wade

August 31, 2016

I have just heard of this news and I am so incredibly disappointed and heartbroken. I have many vivid memories of Kelley as a young woman attending SUNY Oneonta...as her roommate in our first year of college we laughed, and had tons of fun together. From late night talks and movies, to enjoying the town and fun dinners, we enjoyed college with our other roommates and being young ladies away from home for the first time. Kelley was incredibly beautiful. But the most important thing to not forget to mention is her laugh. You could hear her a mile away! And it was contagious! She did live life with joy, zest, excitement, and adventure! I pray for her family and her dear children. I wish I had kept in touch with her in recent time. But no one could ever forget a person like Kelley. She was who she was...and you loved her for it!!! God please protect her children and keep them safe. We love you Kelley and will always smile when we think of you. No matter how much time has passed. You are loved. Love always, Jeannie

Julie Ringer

August 29, 2016

Went to heaven and is now awaiting her family to live in eternity forever with Jesus!

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Russell Knapp

December 8, 2015

My heart goes out to everyone affected by the loss of our dear friend. As we all know Kelley was much more than just a beautiful face. She was an amazing friend, adventurous woman, caring person and an even better mother to name a few. Her smile, her heart, her love and her passion for life will be missed!

Cheri Craft Pekurny

November 9, 2015

Dear family
I am so truly for your loss of your loved one. I pray and hope that all the happy loving memories make your grief a little less. May God friends and family give you the comfort you need during this difficult time. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Celine Long

November 9, 2015

Thomas, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time. May God hold you and Charlie and Crash in his hands to heal you. Our best to the entire Clayton family and the Stage family.

Sue Sampsell-Wade

November 8, 2015

Liz & Family,
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Kelly was a beautiful young woman. May she fly high with the other beautiful angels.

Linda Szeles

November 8, 2015

To Thomas and family and families of Kelley: Thinking of you at this terribly sad time. Know that me and my family are thinking of you with love.

Linda Szeles (Diane Fraracci's sister and Kelly Ward's aunt)

Gary & Cathy Westfall

November 8, 2015

We have known the Stage family for many years & felt horrible when we heard of Kelley's untimely passing. I taught Kim,Lenny & Kelley At Davis Middle School.Wonderful kids. As a past Chief of Golden Glow Vol. Fire Co. We Worked very close with Howie for years. We got to know the family very well. Watching Kelley grow up running around the West Elmira Fire hall as a small child was a joy.After many years we re connected at the first Arena watching the Jackals hockey games. There are NO words to express our sorrow for what all of you must be going thru. Prayers & good thoughts are being sent your way.

Amy and Tony Phillips

November 8, 2015

Liz and family..we have lifted you in prayer. May you find peace as you journey in the beautiful memories of Kelly.

Amy and Tony Phillips

Brandy Felker

November 8, 2015

RIP Kelley Clayton u were an awesome person inside and out fly high Angel prayers to her babies and family Charlie and crash I will keep u in my thoughts and prayers

Clary, Kelly & Connor Ward

November 8, 2015

Our deepest and most sincere sympathies to Thomas, Charlie, Cullen, Stage Family and Clayton Family.

May you find comfort in your memories of Kelley. She was truly beautiful inside and out. May she Rest in Peace xoxo

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