In Memory of Delores Clayton

Obituary

Delores Clayton September 9, 1945 – May 15, 2026

Delores Clayton rejoined her husband and many other loved ones on May 15th as she departed this world and returned to her spiritual form.

She was born and raised in Clayton, NY along with her surviving brothers Mike and Pat Youngs.  One of her favorite stories was how much she missed Clayton after leaving it, so she went out and married a man with the last name Clayton.

It wasn’t just luck that brought Russell Clayton into Delores’ life, it involved a bit of help from her brother Mike, who introduced the two.

They were married on November 23, 1968 and enjoyed the ups and downs of married life for 55 years until Russ’s passing in 2024.  In 1971 Delores and Russell welcomed their only child , Kristine, and knew their family was complete.  

Delores found her calling in teaching.  She taught 2nd and 3rd grades in the Utica City School District for 35 years.  Teaching wasn’t just a job for her; it was something she loved. She remembered every student she taught and could recount stories about each one.  Delores’ love of teaching continued long after she retired.  During this 2025-2026 school year she has gone to Kernan Elementary School once a month to read to students.

Delores was a member of Uarda Temple #24 Daughters of the Nile.  She thoroughly enjoyed her time as a member and held many offices, including Queen. Traveling with Daughters of the Nile brought her so much joy and allowed her to see many areas of the country.  Delores, known for taking pictures in all situations, became a de facto historian for the temple.

While arthritis took her ability to walk in later years, it did not slow down her social calendar.  Aside from photography, her hobbies included scrapbooking, needle point, reading, puzzles and mahjong.  She took part in almost every club available at Masonic Care Community and loved playing bingo, trivia and pitch and was proud to have won the Halloween costume contest the past 2 years.     

There was nothing in Delores’ life that compared to the time she spent with her grandchildren.  Her greatest joy came from spending time with them and watching them grow.  Delores was immensely proud of all of their accomplishments.  

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law Kristine and Steven Domagal.  Grandchildren Brittney and Jacob Domagal.  Brothers Michael (Diana) and Patrick Youngs and Cousin Lisa (Frank) Casilio.  Delores is predeceased by her parents LaVerne and Rosemary Youngs, Aunt Margaret Moore, In-Laws Russell and Beatrice Clayton and Gary Clayton.  

The service will be on Friday, May 22, at 1:00, in the Meditation Room at Masonic Care Community. Interment will be in Masonic Care Community Cemetery. Calling hour will be from 12:00 to 1:00, prior to the service. Arrangements are with Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Rd., New Hartford.

Please omit flowers and consider Shriners Hospitals in memory of Delores.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com.