Clayton Merill Betz

Clayton Merill Betz (83) passed away on Feb. 12, 2024 in Boise, ID. He will be remembered by those who knew him for his quiet demeanor, analytical mind and friendly spirit.

Clayton was born on Aug. 16, 1940, to Jerold and Doris Betz. He was the eldest of five and spent his childhood near Sprague, Wash. In 1956 the family moved to Cheney where he graduated high school. Clayton went on to serve in the Air Force Reserves and attend Washington State University, earning a B.A. in Economics.

After college, he began his career with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Billings, MT. There he joined his office comrades in their annual beard growing tradition-a scraggly accomplishment that brought him pride, though his mother was less impressed.

Leaving the job and beard behind Clayton moved to Seattle. There he met two influential people in his life: Allen, who would become a lifelong friend sharing numerous interests that would spark a lifetime of deep conversations and his first wife Earleen, the mother of his daughters.

Clayton always looked forward to summer visits with his daughters and the much deserved rest afterwards. He would plan day trips around the Seattle area and road trips to the family farm in Cheney stopping along the way to visit at places of interest.

He was active in many associations throughout his life: Jaycees, Sons of Italy, Parents Without Partners and a lifelong member of the Washington State Grange Association. Clayton was an avid Volksmarcher and his daughters learned to walk at a rather brisk pace as a result.

In 1988, Clayton began working for the Federal Way School District. He greatly enjoyed the office camaraderie and continued to work there until his retirement in 2012. During this time, he met Ivy, the love of his life and third wife. Together, they spent over twenty years traveling and sharing their many interests until her passing in 2019.

Clayton was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Ivy. He is survived by his siblings Rudy, David and Darel Betz and Launa Lowe; daughters Elizabeth Betz and Suzi Strittmatter; niece Angelique Lowe; nephew Jerold Lowe; three cherished grandchildren and a great niece and nephew.

In his final reflections, Clayton shared his pride for his grandchildren and gratitude for the support of his family and friends throughout the years. It was his wish that a Celebration of Life be held at a time when family and friends could gather together to reminisce, share stories, and celebrate the time they spent together.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, as Clayton contributed to many charitable causes throughout his life.