Dorothy Jean Clayton

DOROTHY JEAN (EWEST) CLAYTON, age 85, of Waseca, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Waseca.

Born on October 17, 1940, Dorothy was the daughter of Leonard and Mamie (Kruger) Ewest. She attended Waseca Public Schools and graduated with the class of 1958.

On September 3, 1960, Dorothy was united in marriage to Donald Clayton at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilton. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and farming.

After many years working alongside her husband as a dedicated farm wife, Dorothy later worked for nineteen years in the bakery at Hy-Vee. She also spent many summers working at Birdseye, helping with corn and pea processing. She took pride in keeping an active home, always busy mowing the lawn and caring for her surroundings.

She found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. Dorothy enjoyed quilting, embroidery, baking, and gardening, and spent many years working alongside her husband on the farm, a role she took great pride in. She loved playing cards, traveling on bus tours, backyard bird watching, and was a devoted fan of the Minnesota Twins. Above all, she cherished following her grandchildren in their many activities.

Dorothy was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilton and was active in the church’s Ladies Aid. She also served as a leader of the Riverside Ramblers 4-H Club.

She is survived by her children: Brenda (Mike) McConnell, Bill (Sofy) Clayton, Larry (Cindy) Clayton, and Sandy (Chad) Schumacher; nine grandchildren; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; and her parents, Leonard and Mamie Ewest.

Dorothy will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family and found happiness in life’s everyday moments.

Funeral service for Dorothy will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wilton Township, Waseca County. Visitation will begin three hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Woodville Cemetery.