Jane M (Russell) Clayton

Jane Marie (Russell) Clayton, age 78, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at her residence along the river outside of Stanton, ND, on May 21, 2025. Services will be held at 10:00 AM CT on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Stanton with Pastor Dennis Ristvedt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Jane was born on January 15, 1947, to Charles and Marie (Gramm) Russell of Stanton.  She grew up with her siblings, Billy and Sally, along the Missouri River and made many memories with her cousins and friends as self-described “river rats” in their adventures.  She went to a country school through the 5th grade before later attending Stanton High School graduating in 1964. 

Jane married the late Ned Miller Clayton on January 26, 1968, in Stanton.  Together, they raised three children, Greg, Nicole, and Sara Jane, and lived in various places including Billings, MT, Bismarck, ND, Fargo, ND, Bostwick, FL, and Center, ND.  They divorced in 1985 when Jane settled back in Stanton with her children. 

Jane had multiple careers including legal secretary, administrative, and professional roles, enjoying her longest tenure at Basin Electric Power Cooperative until her retirement as a Procurement Coordinator in 2012.  Her life journey had a love for adventure, travel, and spending time with friends and family, which continued into retirement when she traveled throughout the United States and Mexico.  In her later life, she met Jess Anderson who became her constant companion, dear confidant, and travel partner.  She loved living along the river banks where she could host get-togethers, canoe, garden, and share meals.  She also took great pride in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren perform in concerts and athletic events. 

Jane is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Billy Russell. 

She is survived by her partner Jess Anderson, children Greg (Carrie) Clayton, Nicole (Randy) Hansen, and Sara (Brad) Laning, grandchildren Maria (Mike) Grimm, Rachelle (Monty) Johnson, Jodi (Preston Peterson) Clayton, Chase (Emily) Clayton, Tyler Hansen, Ainsley Hansen, Reece Hansen, Levi Laning and Lucy Laning, and great-grandchildren Myla and Mikey Grimm, Libby, Everett, and Ryatt Johnson, and Myles Clayton, and one sister Sally Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sakakawea Medical Center Hospice, Hazen, ND.

 Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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