Mary Jo Clayton, daughter of Jacob S and Nellie Mae Schrader Clayton was born February 4,1935 in Holdredge, Nebraska. At age 6 weeks, she moved with her parents to a ranch in northern Garfield County. In 1940 the family moved to Ord, Nebraska, where Mary Jo received her education, graduating from Ord High School in 1953.
The summer after graduation she took a short teletyping course in Omaha. Returning home she was employed by the Kansas Nebraska Gas Company.
In 1955 she accepted a position with the Valley County Treasurers Office until homework and family required all of her time.
On July 10,1960 she was united in marriage to Nelson Dearmont at the BethanyLutheran Church in Ord, Nebraska, by Reverend Christian Jeppessen.
Following a short wedding trip they worked together on their livestock farm in northwest Valley County, observing their wedding vows until her passing, October 24,1987 at the Communtiy Memorial Hospital in Burwell.
To this union was born a son, Chris (who died in infancy) and three daughters, Sandra Jo, Nancy Jean and Tamzen Judith.
Although she never accomplished her maiden dream of living on a sandhills ranch, she did live in the country, enjoying the wonders of nature, domestic animals and trials and enjoyments of raising livestock as a family occupatin.
Her daughtes attended the one room country school that she supported and cherished, spending many days defending it from those who saw fit to have that form of elementary education abandoned. She served as treasurer of that school board until her passing.
Beside her family she loved to read Gothic books and listen to religious and classical music. She worked as a leader from the time the community 4-H club was formed, getting much enjoyment from the girls’ accomplishments in club projects and piano lessons.
She enjoyed family vacation trips especially those to the mountains, Besides times spent with her family, she was a devoted servant to her church serving on church committees and boards, teaching Sunday Schooland working many hours with the A LCW projects especially the quilting projects that she could see helped less fortunate children keep warm.
Mary Jo is survived by her husband Nelson, three daughters, Sandra of Kearney, Nancy Tetschner and husband Lanny of Burwell and Tamzen at home. Her mother, Nellie Clayton of Burwell, two brothers, Thomas Clayton and his wife Shirley of Casper, Wyoming, Larry Clayton and wife Lynn of Ava, Missouri, two step grandchildren,John and Karri Tetschner of Burwell, many other relatives and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by an infant son, her father and one nephew.
Funeral services were held Wednesday October 28, 1987 at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ord, Nebraska. With Reverend Henry Flessner and Reverend Al Meyer officiating. Music was provided by Tim Glendening and Elaine Bosworth. Pallbearers included Jeff Clayton, David Clayton, Don Dearmont, Jerry Dearmont, Steven Dearmont and Lee Graham
Burial was in the Cottonwood Cemetery
Memorials are suggested to the Bethany Lutheran Church Building Fund or the American Cancer Society.
Fleming Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
 
 
 
 

Tombstone Cottonwood Cemetery, Garfield County, Nebraska
 

Mary Jo Clayton Dearmont Feb 4,1935 Sept 24,1987
Nelson H Dearmont Aug 6,1920
Married July 10, 1960
Parents of Chris, Sandra, Nancy, Tamzen