Linda J. (Wyatt) Clay, age 72, of Clinton, Missouri. passed away, Friday, July 10, 2026 at her home.
Linda was born on September 3rd, 1953 in Clinton, MO to G. Ray Wyatt of Joplin, Mo. and Barbara J. Wyatt (Seward) of Rockville, MO She was the oldest of four children, sisters Sheryl R. Long of Clinton, MO, Dana L. Wyatt of Clinton, MO, and brother Jeffery W. Wyatt of Stockton, MO.
Linda, a member of the Appleton City High School Class of 1971, played the clarinet and performed in marching band for 4 years. She was voted "Best Personality" in the Senior favorites. Upon graduation from high school, Linda moved to Springfield, MO to attend technical school to become a dental assistant. Before completion of school, she was introduced to a young man from Clinton, MO by his best friend, Stanley Brown. Jerry D. Clay and Linda’s first date was a slow drive through the parking lot of a truck stop in Harrisonville, MO so that Jerry could admire the trucks. This is where he shared his dream with Linda of driving an 18-wheeler and making an honest living for him and his future family.
On October 14, 1972 Linda and Jerry were married in Clinton, MO. Stanley Brown sang at the wedding. In January of 1973 Linda accepted a job at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital as a Pharmacy Technician. On December 17th, 1974 Linda gave birth to Eric W. Clay of Clinton, MO. He was the only child born of this couple.
Linda took a leave from her job for 3 years to be a mom to Eric. She returned to work in 1977 to retire early from the position in 1997. She gave more than 20 years of service to GVMH, where she excelled at her job which she was very proud of.
Linda also made lifelong friendships with co-workers and staff members. This gave her years of laughter, tears, camaraderie, and a loyal group of personal close-knit friends.
Linda was a huge fan of the KC Chiefs and lover of Country music, jewelry, Blue Grass perfume by Elizabeth Arden. She loved her True Crime books, documentaries and shows. Her nickname was "Nancy Grace" by her sisters. She and her husband Jerry traveled to Native American Powwows throughout the South and Southwest, the Fancy Dancers were their favorite. Linda’s proudest, most entertaining times were as “Nana” to Blake McCanles, Whitney McCanles, Kayla McCanles, Hunter Wyatt, Aarow Hopkins and Racheal McCanles, she loved these children dearly and was proud of each one of them. Linda also had a love for her dogs: Gus, Dotty, Ginger, Sparky, Macy and Coco.
Linda was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Clinton. She is survived by Barbra J. Wyatt-Nichols, mother, Eric W. Clay, son, Sheryl Long, sister, Jefferey W. Wyatt, brother; and Dana Wyatt, sister.
Linda is preceded in death by G. Ray Wyatt, father and Jerry D. Clay, husband.
Funeral services were held July 15, 2026 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Pastor Brock Stockland officiating. The casket bearers were Dwayne Schley, Ralph Goucher, Jr., Bryan Schley, Blake McCanles, Daniel Green, Craig Pillagren, and David L. Smith. Ron Cosens and James D. Clay were honorary bearers. Interment followed in Hopewell Cemetery, Montrose, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
