Barbara Shaw Clay

Barbara Shaw Clay was born January 28, 1938, in Hyrum, Utah, to Millicent Farnes Shaw and Kenneth Wayne Shaw. She passed away December 25, 2025, in Farmington, Utah.

Barbara grew up surrounded by family and shared her childhood with her brothers, Doyle Shaw (Mary Ann) and Boyd Shaw (Marilyn). She graduated from Weber County High School in 1956.

Following high school, Barbara worked for the Department of the Navy in an inspection department in Salt Lake City. This position also took her to Sunnyvale, California, where she worked for one year before returning to Utah. She later devoted herself to raising her family.

On June 30, 1961, Barbara married Charles DeWayne Clay in the Salt Lake City Temple. They shared 53 years of marriage and built a life centered on devotion to family, partnership, and enduring love. Together they were blessed with five children. Barbara lovingly raised four: her daughters Laurie Banks and Leslie Blain (Rod), and her sons Mike Clay (Kathi) and Shawn Clay (Cori). Her daughter, Lisa Clay, preceded her in death as an infant.

In 1981, Barbara returned to the workforce as a messenger for the Utah State Legislature. She later worked for Zions Bank for nearly 20 years, most of that time in the International Department at the head office. She retired in 2001.

Barbara and Charles lived in West Valley City for 39 years before moving to Reunion Village in South Jordan in 2001. In 2022, Barbara moved to Legacy House of Park Lane in Farmington. The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Legacy House for their compassionate care during her final years.

Barbara was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many callings throughout her life and embraced each with dedication and enthusiasm. Later in life, she served as a service missionary as a docent at the Church History Museum in downtown Salt Lake City.

Barbara enjoyed jogging and walking with a dear friend for more than 30 years. Together they ran hundreds of miles, including several 5K and 10K races. Her greatest athletic achievement was finishing the Deseret News Marathon. Barbara and Charles also enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe, and she had a deep appreciation for the cultural arts.

Barbara’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her grandchildren through Laurie Banks: Alex Banks (Audri), Zach Banks, and Milisa Banks-Chidester (Garrett); through Leslie Blain: Adam Blain (Lindsay), Kirsten Davilia (Sonny), Taylor Blain (Sarah), Andrew Blain (Vianney), Alyson Rockholt (Adam), and Jessica Blain; and through Mike Clay: Colton Clay, Connor Clay (Abigail), Carson Clay, and Colby Clay. She is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild expected in April 2026.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles DeWayne Clay; her daughter, Lisa Clay; her parents, Millicent Farnes Shaw and Kenneth Wayne Shaw; her brother, Doyle Shaw, and his wife, Mary Ann; and her daughter-in-law, Linda Lingwall Clay.

Funeral services will be held January 3, 2026, at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing prior to the service. Interment will follow at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Valley View Cemetery in West Valley City.