Katherine Marie "Katie" Clayton, Janesville  (1988 - 2013)

January 5, 1988 - January 10, 2013
Katie fought a valiant battle for 663 days against a brain tumor. The final 113 days, as she knew the end was near she lived each day without complaint and, instead, made it her mission to use her sarcastic, quirky and uplifting humor to make all who loved her laugh! Katie's battle against brain cancer ended on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at home surrounded by her family.
Katie was born in Platteville, WI, with the most beautiful red hair and blue eyes, on Jan. 5, 1988, to the joyful parents, Dan and Cindy (Stoney) Clayton. She was welcomed to their home in Belmont, WI, by her big brother, Tommy. Tommy was the most protective big brother a little girl could ever ask for! Even as they attended elementary school, Tommy would walk Katie to school and make sure she was safe.
At the start of her eighth grade year, Katie moved to Janesville, WI, with her mom. Katie graduated from Parker High school in 2006. Throughout Katie's life her mom was active in the Jaycees. Tom and Katie actively donated their time, as well, helping out the community. They especially loved Halloween and Haunted Houses. Katie took on a leadership role in the Jr. Jaycees and helped to establish a Jayteen chapter. She was Jayteen President in 2004. Katie's senior year of high school she balanced working at Sentry Foods and R&R Concrete & Excavating while finishing high school.
After high school, Katie moved to Madison, to attend MATC for photography. Katie worked at Extended Stay Hotels until April 2007, when she went to work for Menards. Katie moved back to Janesville, to help her mom take care of her grandmother, who moved in with them. She transferred to Blackhawk Tech and continued to work at Menards until she was diagnosed with the brain tumor in March 2011.
Katie's most favorite class throughout school was Art class. Her proud parents are the owners of several pieces of Katie's art. In high school she learned the love of photography. She loved animals and children and they adored her just as much. As a child she dreamed of becoming a marine biologist even though her career path changed, she never lost her love of sharks! Katie adored her baby cousins, Gabe and Lena, and she was the most proud aunt ever when baby Tom was born. Katie's desire above all else was to find true love and have children. She did not get to make that dream come true but she will be remembered forever by the children who met her. Her charismatic smile and ability to enjoy the simplistic and silliest things. She was perfectly content coloring or just playing with those little ones. Katie's true passions were the Milwaukee Brewers and cooking. No matter how ill she was, she never missed a ball game on tv! She loved to cook and it was seldom that her channel diverted from the Food Network. Katie enjoyed music and going to see her favorite bands play! Katie and her mom were devoted to each other and best friends. Cindy was with Katie every step of the way through her journey fighting for her life, and Katie's mom took care of her at home til the angels carried her to heaven. Katie's faith in God never faltered and one of her recent wishes was to complete her confirmation.
Katie was preceded in death by her cousin, Jake Thompson; and her grandparents, Thomas R. Stoney, Emmet J. Hoppenjan Sr., Karen Hoppenjan and Sara Clayton. She is survived by her parents, Daniel C Clayton of Belmont, WI, and Cynthia A. (Stoney) Clayton of Janesville; her brother, Thomas R. (Rachael) Clayton, Sr.; and two year old nephew, Thomas R. Clayton, Jr., all of Janesville; her grandfather, Don (Jackie) Clayton, Sr. of Platteville; her aunts and uncles: Collin and Amy (Hoppenjan) McAllister of Lake Delton, WI, Emmet and Heather Hoppenjan, cousins: Gabriel and Lena of Deforest, WI, Don and Lynette Clayton, Jr. of Platteville, WI; cousins: Chad, Jesse and Cody, and Tom and Karla Thompson, and Danielle, Eric and Tyler. Katie is also survived by her mom' s friend, Allen Miller, who was there for Katie to count on everyday; her cousin, Amanda (Jason) Wright, who along with her mom, Teresa, has been there for Katie her entire life; her cousin and confirmation sponsor, Darcy (Paul) Thome; along with great aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends who fought right alongside Katie. Katie is survived by her dog, Morgan, her goldfish and a family and friends full of love for their selfless, amazing courageous, spunky beautiful girl who lived every moment of her life.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 313 E. Wall St., with Fr. Stephen Umhoefer officiating. A Celebration of Katie's life will take place from 4 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the WHITCOMB-LYNCH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, 21 S. Austin Rd., and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at the CHURCH.
An additional Memorial Mass will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at ST. PHILOMENA CATHOLIC CHURCH, 338 Chestnut St., Belmont, WI, with Fr. Monte Robinson officiating. Inurnment will follow in St. Philomena Cemetery, Belmont. A Memorial Visitation celebrating Katie's life will take place from 4 until 8 p.m. on Friday at the MELBY-BENDORF FUNERAL HOME, 1245 N. Water St., Platteville, and from 1 until 2 p.m. at the CHURCH on Saturday.
Thank you to Agrace Hospicecare for always making Katie comfortable and loved. Thank you to all of the faithful followers for your messages of encouragement and support during Katie's journey on her Facebook page/thefightforkatie. Please direct memorial funds to the account established at Blackhawk Credit Union to Fight for Katie. Donations are welcome on her Facebook page using PayPal and mailed direct to 1507 Primrose Lane, Janesville, WI 53545
Whitcomb-Lynch Funeral Home & Cremation Services
www.whitcomb-lynch.com