Jerry Edward Clay

Jerry Clay, aged 81, passed away May 12, 2024, at home in Weiser. He was born in 1942, the only child of Edward and Loine (Alkire) Clay. Both came from Idaho pioneering families, the Clays were settlers in the Meadows Valley, and the Alkires in the John Day area on the Salmon River. His early years were spent mainly in Meadows and on the Snake River.

Jerry attended high school at Council, narrowly managing to graduate after writing an essay about why he didn’t need high school English. He married Violet Woods of Council on June 16, 1962. Like his father and most of his uncles, he cowboyed for the Circle C ranch in the 1960s and early 1970s. His favorite memories were of Pittsburg Landing, the Dixon Place, moving cattle down the highway from Meadows through Riggins for winter, horses he rode, and dogs he trained during those years. Jerry was a perfectionist with talents as a woodworker, a draftsman, a carpenter, and a saddle maker. But, in his words,  he was born to be a cowboy, and on top of a horse he was on top of the world.

Jerry is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Violet; son Thomas Clay, of Riggins; daughter Bobbie and son-in-law Todd Redinius, of Fairbanks, Alaska; daughter Peggy McCoy of Juneau, Alaska; and three grandsons, Mark Redinius, Matthew McCoy, and Daniel McCoy.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses of Ancora Hospice for their kind and compassionate care and assistance. At Jerry’s request no services will be held, but a memorial will be held at a later date.

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