Shari Dee Clayton was born August 5, 1950, in Lamar to John Dee and Norma Gordon, and passed away peacefully September 20, 2023, in Greeley surrounded by her loving family. She was the cherished eldest of five siblings, including two brothers and two sisters.

Shari spent her first years in Walsh before her family relocated to Pueblo in 1958. Throughout her youth, she played the role of a caring guardian to her siblings and the many neighborhood children. She often fondly reminisced about her youth in Pueblo and dear family friends, the Slaughters, who lived just down the road on Jerry Murphy Road.

In 1968, Shari graduated from Pueblo East High School. After her graduation from high school the family moved to Colorado Springs where Shari continued her schooling, which would see her attend cosmetology school in Colorado Springs and pursue a successful career in that field for over a decade. During her time in Colorado Springs, the joy of her life, her son Mark, was born February 11, 1971.

A few years after her son was born, Shari moved back to Walsh to be close to her parents and family. It was back home in Walsh where Shari met and married her soulmate, Raymond Clayton. Shari and Raymond were married September 7, 1974, marking forty-nine years of marriage. Together, they welcomed their daughters Meaghan in 1979 and Kristin in 1983.

In 1984, the Clayton family moved from Walsh and settled in Cheyenne Wells. It is here they would find their forever home to raise their three children. Shari devoted herself to raising her children, and remained actively engaged in their school activities and sports events. Her professional journey led her to work alongside Harry Nelson at Farm Bureau. Shari had a deep passion for reading and children. This passion inspired her to become a librarian at Cheyenne Wells School District, a role she cherished for two decades. During this time, she pursued higher education at Pueblo Community College, earning her Associate of Applied Science as a Library Technician. Shari was also a proud member of the Alpha Rho Theta Chapter sorority. Her well-deserved retirement came June 1, 2017.

Shari's love for her family knew no bounds, and her greatest joy was her seven grandchildren: Nickole and Ethan Clayton, Addison and Preston Schiller, and Reagan, Briar, and Brooklyn Simpson. She instilled her passion for reading in them by gifting books on special occasions, always aiming to share the world of literature with them. Shari was their biggest cheerleader, attending their games with customized shirts and hoodies, proving herself as their proudest fan.

In addition to her devotion to family and books, Shari had a love for sewing, cross-stitching, and sports. She was an avid supporter of the Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, Denver Nuggets, and Denver Broncos - always a familiar face in front of the TV, passionately cheering for her teams. During her retirement, Shari and Raymond found solace and joy in camping in Glendo, Wyoming, with friends and family. A true home away from home.

Shari leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and a passion for reading. She is survived by her beloved husband, Raymond Clayton of Cheyenne Wells; son, Mark Clayton of Aurora; and daughters, Meaghan (Brian) Schiller of Greeley and Kristin (Kevin) Simpson of Burlington. She is also survived by her siblings, Danny (Dee) Gordon, Shelley (Andy) Harper, and Pam Schmeeckle, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Shari was preceded in death by her parents, John Dee and Norma Gordon; brother, David Gordon; brother-in-law, Zane Schmeeckle; nephew, Jeff Steury; mother-in-law, Glenda Clayton; and brother-in-law, Richard Clayton.

In the hearts of those who loved her, Shari's memory will forever shine bright. A testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished.

Funeral services were held September 26, 2023, at the Cheyenne Wells Christian Church.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shari Clayton Memorial Fund in care of any Eastern Colorado Bank location for the benefit of the Eastern Cheyenne County Library.  

Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.