Colleen Clayton

Our beloved mother, Jessie ‘Colleen’ Clayton, peacefully passed through the veil and returned home on August 16, 2026, at the age of 89. She is the mother of Ronald Alder, Vickie Alder Carlson and Steven Alder.

Colleen was born on March 31, 1937, in Mt. Pleasant, Utah to Alva Charles and Virginia Anna Petersen. Colleen was the second of six children, three boys and three girls.

Colleen attended school in Mt. Pleasant, but the family circumstances required her to end her formal education early and help out with the family needs. She spent many happy days at home with her five siblings. She cared for her younger siblings and developed a deep love for them. Her siblings have fond memories of her and the care she gave them. She loved to roller skate, dance and spend time outdoors.

On November 25, 1952, Colleen married a handsome young man from Manti, Utah, Afton ‘Lloyd’ Alder. During their time together they were blessed with three children, Ronald Lloyd Alder, Vickie Alder Carlson and Charles ‘Steven’ Alder. With young Ronald in tow, Colleen followed Lloyd east to Baltimore, Maryland where he was stationed in the army for two years. She enjoyed her time there and made many friends.

After his service they quickly hurried home to their beloved Utah, where they were blessed with two more children.

At the very young age of thirty-three, Lloyd passed away, leaving her a widow at the age of twenty-nine. Never one to complain, Colleen worked to provide for her three young children and keep hearth and home together. These were hard, challenging and lonely times for her, but she had an uncanny ability to soldier on without complaint or bitterness. Ever the optimist, she moved forward. She had an infectious smile and was kind to everyone. These were character traits she manifested throughout her life and they served her well.

In 1981 Colleen met and married Rex Clayton from Provo, Utah. They enjoyed twenty-nine years together, camping, traveling and many other adventures. Rex was a firm foundation for her, ever understanding and kind. Rex passed away in 2010.

Colleen was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She had a quiet testimony but was always willing to share her deep feelings about it with her children. She was endowed in the Manti temple.

She was a devoted sponsor of ‘AA’ and helped many overcome addictions through her compassion, guidance and kind words.

She is greatly loved by her family and so many others. She
endured more than most can imagine. As she passed through the veil there most assuredly were many of her loved ones there to welcome her home. She was proceeded in death by her parents, siblings Dale, Larry, Keith and Tamara, husbands Afton Lloyd Alder and Rex Clayton. She is survived by her children, Ronald (Connie) Alder, Vickie (Michael) Carlson, Steve (Christie) Alder, twelve grandchildren, thirty-seven great grandchildren and her sister, Peggy Shaw.

We would like to thank the staff at Alpine Care Center (Utah) and Homestead (Idaho) for the love and care they gave our mom. It is greatly appreciated.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 24, 2026 at 11:00 am in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 10:00 -10:45 am prior to services. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.olpinmortuary.com.