Ann M. Clay

Ann Marie Clay, age 88, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026.

BELOVED MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER, AND GIGI

Born on January 16, 1938, in Peoria, Illinois, she was the youngest of six children born to Frederick and Anna Buehler. Growing up alongside three brothers and two sisters, Ann developed the resilience, creativity, and strong work ethic that would define her throughout her life.

During her 25-year marriage to Richard T. Clay, Ann devoted herself to raising their four children: Teresa Parish, Jean Tremain, Alice Elliott, and Michael Clay. Her greatest joy came from her family, whom she loved fiercely and supported unconditionally.

She leaves behind a lasting legacy through her children; her cherished grandchildren, Jacqueline (Norman) Thomas, Nicole Tremain, Jacob Tremain, A. Michael Clay, Victoria (Matthew) Gwynn, Allison Clay, and Catherine Valencia; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Peyton and Kolin Thomas. She is also lovingly remembered by her son-in-law, Scott Tremain, and daughter-in-law, Beth Clay.

Ann was preceded in death by her former husband, Richard T. Clay; her parents, Frederick and Anna Buehler; her brothers, Frederick, Louis, and Bernard Buehler; and her sisters, Rosemary Buehler and Marcella Forney.

A Life Well Lived

Ann lived a life defined by generosity, perseverance, and quiet strength. She found joy in caring for those she loved and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Whether through simple acts of kindness, thoughtful words, or unwavering support, she left an enduring impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. She believed that life’s greatest treasures were not found in possessions, but in the love shared with family, the friendships she cherished, and the memories created together.

The Work of Her Hands

Ann had a remarkable gift for creating beauty with her hands. Ann's hands were rarely still. Whether she was knitting a blanket or scarf to keep someone warm, creating thoughtful handmade crafts and holiday decorations, or filling her kitchen with the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats, everything she made was an expression of her love. She found joy in creating, giving, and sharing with others, and her gifts were treasured not because they were handmade, but because they were made with her heart.

She had a remarkable ability to transform simple materials into lasting keepsakes and ordinary moments into cherished memories. Every stitch she knitted, every craft she completed, and every recipe she lovingly prepared reflected her patience, creativity, and generous spirit.

The beautiful things Ann created will be treasured for years to come, but her greatest masterpiece was the family she nurtured and the love she gave so freely. Though Ann’s earthly journey has come to an end and her hands are now at rest, the warmth of her love and the legacy she leaves behind will continue to comfort all who knew her and live on through the generations who proudly carry her legacy.

"Those we love don't go away. They walk beside us every day—unseen, unheard, but always near”