Marilyn Ann Greenhalgh Clayson

A lifelong resident of Santaquin, mother, grandmother, and friend, Marilyn Ann Greenhalgh Clayson passed away, just shy of her 90th birthday on April 7, 2026, surrounded by her family and friends.

Marilyn is the daughter of Albert and Nettie Chloe Greenhalgh. She was the youngest of 13 children, raised by industrious hardworking parents.

Marilyn grew up in Santaquin and was the first female class president of her 9th grade class. She graduated with high honors from Payson High School. Many of her friends said she was the smartest person in their class.

After graduation Marilyn worked at Hill Air Force base. It was there that she found a niche in and love for the professional world. She worked for First Security Bank and Mountain Bell. Most recently Marilyn retired at age 85 having worked as a New York Life Agent for 34 years. She was one of the 3 women representing the top 6% of the world’s life insurance sales force, reflecting her sharp mind and strong work ethic in a male dominated profession.

Marilyn married Calvin Raymond Clayson in 1957 and they were later sealed in the Manti Temple. They had 5 children together. They later divorced. Following her divorce, she courageously embraced the role of a single mother, meeting life’s challenges with strength, determination, and unwavering love. She raised her children to be hardworking, independent, and deeply service-minded.

Marilyn was a lifelong, faithful, member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Marilyn was a mother who loved her children enough to expect much from them. She taught them to work, to earn, and to take responsibility for their lives. While it wasn’t always easy, her high standards became a lasting blessing that shaped who they are today. She taught her children to be civically minded. Her children and grandchildren jokingly and fondly remember being “volunteered” to help with community service projects. She was always right there with them, never asking them something she wasn’t willing to do herself.

Marilyn was a tenacious, intelligent, and savvy woman who met life with compassion and strength. Deeply devoted to her community, she gave generously of her time and heart, always believing in the power of service and connection. She served on the Santaquin Civic Club and was an active member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary. She served on the (first) Chamber of Commerce. Marilyn also served two and one half terms as a Santaquin City Council Woman. Marilyn has fundraised, applied for grants and persisted in finding means to accomplish or improve things in Santaquin when others thought there was no other way. She was instrumental in Santaquin obtaining their first ambulance. Marilyn even became an EMT so she could run with the paramedics.

Marilyn loved working in her yard. She grew many varieties of flowers and had a beautifully groomed yard.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Dirk (Loretta) Clayson, Kanab; Teresa Fowden, Santaquin; Doni (Alan) Bufton, Santaquin; and Brenda Clayson, Corona, California; 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Being the last survivor of her family, she was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters; Maxine, Genevieve, Lucille, Albert, Rex, Gene, Budd, Helen, Dick, Gaye, and Clarice. She was also preceded in death by her own infant son Wade.

Marilyn will be remembered for her strength, her compassion, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew her.

To Tiffany, Paige, Clark, Chelsea, Jen, and Lorie; our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to you, who lovingly supported our mother in her final years. Your kindness, diligence, and compassion made it possible for her to remain in the comfort of her home, a gift we will always cherish. Also, our mom has had the sweetest young ladies, who she referred to as “her girls”. They gently and sweetly took care of her. Thank you McKinley, Ashley, Sammy, Takoma, and Kennedy.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Santaquin North Stake Center, 545 N 200 E. Viewings will be held Sunday 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Brown Family Mortuary, 66 S 300 E, Santaquin and Monday at the church from 9:30 to 10:30 am prior to services. Interment, Santaquin City Cemetery.