Judith "Judy" J Clayton
August 05, 1942 - November 11, 2020
Obituary
MONONA/FITCHBURG - Judith “Judy” Clayton passed away at Heritage Monona on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, due to complications of Dementia.
Judy was born on Aug. 5, 1942, in Dodgeville, Wis., to Jim and Lucy Clayton and moved to Madison at an early age. She graduated from Madison West and UW-Madison in 1964 with a degree in History. Judy was a dedicated history teacher at Oregon from 1968-2002. After retirement she began her next “chapter of life.” She enjoyed all of the special times with her dear friends, shopping, and was a voracious reader of all kinds of books. Judy enjoyed participating in the Madison Civics and PLATO groups, was also an active member of WEAC for many years and actively supported her parties’ candidates.
Judy’s sisters and their families were everything to her and she loved all of the family gatherings, especially hosting Christmas Day.
Judy is survived by her sister, Bette (Bobeck) and her family, Jim, Sue (Ed), Dave (Sharon) and Steve (Kim). She is further survived by her sister Shirley’s son, Jeff Puttkammer (Lindy). She was blessed to be not only an aunt, but a great-aunt to eight.
She was fortunate to have several dear friends that she shared many great years with and who continued to visit her after she moved to Heritage Monona.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley and her husband, Paul Puttkammer; and Bette’s husband, Herb.
Judy’s family would like to thank Heritage Monona for providing her care the last 4 ½ years and Agrace HospiceCare Green Team for their special care the past year.
Due to Covid-19 there will be a private funeral service for her family. Judy will be interred at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance, 3330 University Ave., Unit 300, Madison, WI 53705. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Ann/Phil Dettwiler
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We taught with Judy at Oregon High School and share many wonderful, fun memories of our times together. We extend our sincere sympathy to her family. Ann and Phil Dettwiler
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Jim Snow
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My condolences to the family of Judy Clayton. I had her for History class in Oregon Wi. in 1978. I really liked her her and she was a great teacher. I was that kid that had a hard time sitting still. Always had a smart aleck comment and just screwed off too much. She always put me in my place.Not by screaming at me and not by embarrassing me, but just by giving me that look and by catching me before I left the room and letting me know how disappointed she was that I would cut up in class. She would say there is a time for shenanigans and her History class was not it. I truly respected her. I would occasionally run into her over the years and we always had great laughs. THANK YOU Mrs. Clayton for teaching me so much about history. It was my favorite class ,because of you and the way you conducted it and your passion teaching it. And most importantly giving the extra time to those of us that had to have made being a teacher difficult you never gave up on us. Respectfully, Jim Snow.
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Donna Litt
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I’m so sorry to hear about Judy’s passing. She was such a sweet person always smiling. My mom, Clarice, had a room right next to hers and they became good friends. My deepest condolences. Donna Littel ( daughter of Clarice)
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Mary
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Ms Clayton was my teacher at OHS early 1970's. She was an amazing & very kind teacher who made civics & history fun. Years later, I ran into Judy (yes, I could now call her by her first name!), she remembered me & we had a great chat. She was a favorite who had a good life & will be missed. Hope Judy is now soaring the Cosmos freely. My condolences to her family & friends. Mary Henry.
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Amber Thompson
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Ms. Clayton was my freshman year history teacher at OHS in 1996- history has always been my least favorite subject, but she had a way of teaching that was engaging. She told us we would probably only remember “walk softly and carry a big stick” from her class, and that would be ok. But I have retained so much more. From the Triangle shirtwaist factory to the Holocaust. The emotion she taught with was part of what captivated me into remembering and retaining the information. The way she taught the Holocaust helped me with an English assignment my senior year. She was a very special teacher and I wish there were more like her; it’s hard to be engaging, especially with high school students. -Amber Uphoff-Thompson
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Anne Engbring, daughter of Carol D.
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I had the pleasure of meeting Judy while my mom was living at Heritage. Judy was always smiling and cheerful. Her friends and family visiting always made her so happy. She did have one of the best decorated rooms, a tribute from those who loved her. My deepest condolences to all who loved and cared for her. She was a lovely person.