Russell Joseph Clay

Belchertown - Russell Joseph Clay, 62, of Stebbins St. died September 22, 2009 in Baystate Medical Center. He was born June 20, 1947 in Kimball, Nebraska the son of the late Joseph Clay and Betty J. (Trump) Clay-Massara of Springfield, MO. Russell lived in Chicopee for many years before moving to Belchertown 17 years ago. He served his country during Vietnam in the US Army. Russell was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 108 for over 25 years; he recently retired from DOS Concrete. He was also the owner of Foundations by Russell Clay and later of R. Clay Construction. Russell was very proud of his Native American heritage and his spirituality. He will be remembered for his caring ways as a spiritual healer and counselor and for the numerous people he helped. Besides his mother, he is survived by three children Patrick Joseph Clay of Chicopee, Samantha Campbell Clay and Russell Joseph Clay, Jr. both Belchertown. He also leaves a daughter-in-law Wendy Sloane Zeitler, a grandson Derek Adrian Robert Clay, two sisters Patricia West of Springfield, MO and Norma Johnson of Amarillo, TX. He also leaves his partner Betsy Gold and her children Jason Gold and Corey Gold all of Belchertown. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Second Baptist Church, (rt 202) in S. Hadley. A Graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Mass. Veterans' Memorial Cemetery on Main St. in Agawam. Calling hours will be Monday from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm at the Beers & Story Funeral Home in Belchertown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Second Chance Ranch Equine Rescue at P.O. Box 452 East Longmeadow, MA 01028 or to Native American Intertribal Council of Western Mass at P.O. box 90134 Springfield, MA 01139 both of which were extremely important groups in his life.