Phyllis Jane Clayton

At age 84, Phyllis Jane Clayton passed from this life into eternal life on Thursday, November 17, 2022, where she is once again in the arms of her loving husband who preceded her in death nearly two years ago.  Jane, as she was known to her family and friends, was a beloved spouse, loving mother, doting grandmother, proud great-grandmother, and faithful friend to so many who will miss her dearly.

Jane was born on March 28, 1938 in Greeley, Colorado to Samuel Earl and Ruby Viola (Nix) Dickens.  Jane attended Golden High School in Golden, Colorado and graduated in 1956.  Pursuing her love of art, Jane studied basic design and sculpture at the University of Colorado from 1956-57 and attended evening art classes at Opportunity School in Denver, Colorado.   

In 1958, Jane met the love of her life, Jerry Don Clayton, and they were married on June 14, 1959 in Golden, Colorado.  Jane and Jerry were inseparable and happily married for 62 years.

Jane and Jerry moved to Farmington in 1962, where Jerry opened his first Thriftway gasoline and service station in 1963 on Main Street in Farmington.  Over the years, the company expanded throughout the Four Corners region, and Jane was Jerry's biggest source of support, managing the company books and assisting in the operation of the business.  Despite the hecticness of managing a family business with Jerry, Jane found the time to raise two beautiful daughters, participate in a variety of social and philanthropic groups, and become an accomplished artist.

Jane studied painting at San Juan College in Farmington, New Mexico, as well as taking art workshops from artists who influenced her work.  Jane developed her painting skills, becoming an award winning plein air artist.  Jane loved painting in the open air as it provided her an opportunity to study nature in all its beauty and wonderful colors.  Jane's paintings have a consistent theme of emphasizing color-capturing the mood and feeling of a location through her impressionistic technique of transparent and opaque tones.  Jane always said that the greatest byproduct of her artwork was the lifelong friendships she developed with other artists and lovers of art.

Jane was a signature member of National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society.  She was also a member of Oil Painters of America, Plein Air Painters of New Mexico, Plein Air Artists Colorado, a founding member of the Plein Air Painters of the Four Corners, as well as a member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society.  Jane exhibited her artwork over the years at several local, regional and national shows.  Jane also served on the Fine Arts Committee at San Juan College, during which time she assisted in the acquisition of artwork for the college's permanent collection. 

For 43 years, Jane was an active member of Chapter BA of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization that provides educational scholarships and opportunities to women.  Jane worked tirelessly to promote the values of P.E.O. and enjoyed many lifelong friendships with her P.E.O. sisters.

In their retirement years, Jane and Jerry explored new adventures in the Bahamas, acquiring and operating the Hawksnest Resort & Marina on Cat Island.  Jane discovered a whole new palette of colors to explore in painting the tropical paradise of Cat Island.  In the process, she fell in love with the warmth and friendship of the Bahamian people.  Jane and Jerry spent several winters at the resort, and Jane thoroughly enjoyed entertaining family and friends there.

Jane will always be remembered for her boundless generosity and her welcoming demeanor.  Acquaintances instantly recognized Jane's sincere and genuine warmth.  Friends treasured the bonds they shared with Jane because they knew those bonds would last a lifetime.  Jane's family and friends will deeply miss her compassionate spirit and tenderhearted soul.

Jane was preceded in death by her father Earl, her mother Ruby, and her husband Jerry.  She is survived by her children Kathryn Parker (husband Charles Parker) and Nicol Moss (husband Robert Moss); her grandchildren Jennifer Morris (husband Kyle Morris), Allison Parker, Caroline Moss, and Andrew Moss; and her great-grandchildren Henry James Morris and Charles Alexander Morris.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, November 21, 2022 at Farmington Funeral Home, 2111 W. Apache, Farmington, New Mexico 87401.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, November 22, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 865 North Dustin Avenue, Farmington, New Mexico 87401, Dr. Craig Curry presiding.

The family would like to offer their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Robert Burns, Dr. Ronald Calcote, Dr. Taylor Wade, Dr. Jude Gabaldon, Amy Harvey, and the entire staff of Partners Assisted Living Services and Basin Home Health & Hospice for their compassionate care of Jane.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jane's memory to the Chapter BA New Mexico Scholarship Fund of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, c/o Cheryl Stoltzfus, 2301 E. 20th Street, Unit 2949, Farmington, New Mexico 87499.