Winifred Clay, age 96, of Lynden, passed away peacefully at Whatcom Hospice House on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018. Winifred was loved dearly by her sons Kraig and Danny Clay.
Winifred was born in Cottonwood, Idaho, on Oct. 5, 1921 to parents Clarence and Grace (Fargo) Inghram. Winifred graduated from Grangeville High School as salutatorian and went on to Lewiston Normal School, graduating in 1942 with a degree in education. She moved to Morro Bay, California, where she taught kindergarten and owned The Cracker Box restaurant and met her future husband, Bob.
Winifred and Bob Clay were married Jan. 1, 1956. Together they moved to the Lynden area where she was employed as the first Lynden High School secretary until her retirement 25 years later. She loved reading and was known for her poetry. Winifred enjoyed following all Lynden High School sports. She was known for being fashionable and self-disciplined, having a great sense of humor, and being loving and caring to all she met. She attended Lynden Community Church and loved to volunteer at many events.
In retirement, she learned to swim and had fun with her grandchildren at the Lynden YMCA. Winifred and Bob were avid Good Sam Campers, traveling around the U.S. and wintering in Whitney, Texas, and Bushnell, Florida.
Winifred was preceded in death by husband Bob in 2015, son William Clay and brother Clair Inghram.
She is survived by sons Kraig (Janet) and Danny (Theresa Graham); grandchildren Tammie, Angela, David and Melissa; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Margaret Inghram; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
You are invited to join family and friends in honoring Winifred at a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, in Lynden Community Church, Seventh and Grover streets.
Please share your memories and condolences in the online guestbook at www.gilliesfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Lynden.
