Mary Ann Clayton, 81,of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on July 10, 2023. She was born February 25, 1942, to Myrtle and Harvey Miller of Marcus, IA. After graduating from Marcus High School and Iowa State University, she taught home economics in St. Louis, MO, and La Grange, GA. She earned a master’s degree in school counseling from Auburn University in Alabama and continued to dedicate her life to young men and women as a high school guidance counselor.  
Mary Ann was a talented pianist, served as an organist at the United Methodist Church in Marcus while in high school and continued her love of music throughout her life. She had a zest for life and learning, from her knack for jewelry-making, pergamano parchment design, and needlepoint. She was a voracious reader devouring everything from the latest fiction best seller to presidential history and nearly everything in between. Later in life, Arizona became her home with her husband, William ‘Bill’ M. Clayton. Her friendly and outgoing nature served her well in a second career in leisure and hospitality.  
She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband John C. Bertlshofer and husband William ‘Bill’ M. Clayton. She is survived by her children: Mary E. (Mary Beth) Bertlshofer and fiancé Christopher ‘Chris’ Campbell, and John A. (Jennifer) Bertlshofer; grandchildren: Amberlin, Taylin, and Hagan, all of the Phoenix Metro area; and sister Carol Lytle of Storm Lake, Iowa. 
Memorial services are pending at this time. Memorial gifts in Mary Ann’s name may be made to the Friends of the Marcus Public Library, 106 N. Locust, P.O. Box 528, Marcus, IA 51035.