Natashia Ann Clayton, 22, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013 in her home at Yankton after a 2-1/2 year battle with cancer.
Services were Wednesday, March 13 in Peace Presbyterian Church, Yankton, with Rev. Bob Cappel officiating. Burial was in Eventide Cemetery, Woonsocket. A prayer service was held Tuesday evening, March 12 in Wintz and Ray Funeral Home, Yankton.
Natashia was born July 8, 1990 in Sioux Falls to Mark and Barb (Linke) Clayton.
Natty attended grade school in Grand Island, Neb. and then in Yankton, graduating from Yankton High School in 2009.
Natty loved Special Olympics Sports, like softball, basketball and bowling. Natty was named the South Dakota State Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.
She also loved Polar Plunge, camping and going to Lake Okoboji, fingernail painting parties with her friends, reading, playing on the computer, country music, traveling and she thought Disney World was the best place on earth. She loved her family, and her family included everyone she met. She was known for her beautiful eyes, her smile and her love, which she freely gave.
Natty is survived by her parents, Mark and Barb Clayton of Yankton; sister, Bobbi (Mike) Quinlivan of Sioux Falls; special friend, Tanner Mikkelson of Yankton; grandmothers, Helen Linke and Kay Clayton, both of Woonsocket; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Russell Clayton and Lloyd Linke; great-aunt, Rose Linke; and aunt, Susan Linke.