Marykae "Mickey" Clayton

Marykae “Mickey” Powers Clayton of Traverse City, Michigan, passed away on May 10, 2025, at the age of 88. Born April 13, 1937 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Gilbert and June (Van Onsenoord) Powers, Mickey grew up in a close-knit sports-loving family. She attended Creston High School, where her father taught and coached, and Mickey was a member of the cheerleading team. She loved school and excelled academically, also forming lifelong friendships. Mickey graduated from Central Michigan University in 1959 with a degree in education. She served as president of her Delta Zeta sorority and was recognized in Who’s Who Amongst American Students. While at CMU, she met and married Colonel Lawrence “George” Clayton. They settled in Traverse City where Mickey did her student teaching at Central High School. After two years, she moved with George and their daughter to Germany during his military assignment, where their son was born. They returned to the states and lived in northern Virginia, where he continued his career with the Army and intelligence agencies. She was proud of his military service and possessed a deep love for her country. Over the next several decades, Mickey raised their two children, was active in the community, worked in retail, played in a women’s soccer league, and nurtured a love of the arts. In 1979, she returned to school and earned an associate’s degree in architecture, becoming one of the first women to work in the emerging field of computer-aided design. She worked in military defense and with engineering firms – trailblazing in what was then a male-dominated industry. In 1991, Mickey and George returned to Traverse City and moved into their dream home on East Grand Traverse Bay. An active community member, she taught water aerobics through the YMCA, volunteered at her church and at Munson Hospice House. Her faith was important to her. She attended Bible study for several years, and she and George were longtime members of the First Congregational Church. She enjoyed performing with the Happy Tappers dance group and Tai Chi classes with the “Tai Chinas”, creating some wonderful connections. For many years, Mickey enjoyed traveling with her family and annual trips with a group of her high school girl friends. A lifelong learner, Mickey was an avid reader, always having a book at hand. Her home was filled with art, and it reflected her travels and her own style and taste. She loved lake life, all things Michigan and Traverse City. Watching and rooting for Michigan professional and collegiate sports teams was a favorite past-time that she shared with her family, even giving place kicking a try on Ford Field at the age of 83. She loved Saturday Farmers’ Market, looking forward to Spring and the first strawberries and asparagus of the season. Mickey was proud of her Dutch heritage. Tulips were always in the house in Spring, homemade Banket pastry at Christmas, and windmill cookies on the counter. Occasionally, you might even find her sporting her “If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much” t-shirt around the house. Mickey is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Colonel Lawrence G. Clayton; brother, David P. Powers; and sister in-law, Carole McMahon Kindt. She is survived by her children, Amy (Tawny Hammond) and Larry Clayton; her brother and sister in-law, Gilbert (Nancy) Powers; niece, Carrie Brown; nephews, Charles (Mary Beth) McMahon, Andrew (Missi) McMahon, Shad (Xochitl Pena) Powers, and Ryan Powers; three grandnephews; seven grandnieces; and her grand dogs, Sunny and Maeve. The family extends deep gratitude to the Munson Medical community for years of wonderful care, Dr. Charles Klettner and Amy Markey; and caregiver, Deb Hall, who was always there with a smile, kind heart, warm hug, and helping hand. A memorial service will be held at Mission Hill Church, formerly the First Congregational Church, at 6501 Center Road in Traverse City, Michigan. Services will take place on Saturday, May 31st. Visitation is at 11:00 am with a service at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Network North (parkinsonsnetworknorth.org).

Marykae "Mickey" Clayton

April 13, 1937 - May 10, 2025