Laura Hurst Clayton

Laura Hurst Clayton, 84, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, following complications from a recent fall and the effects of age. 

Born in Logan, Utah, on May 3, 1940, to Oliver and Nellie Hurst, Laura lived a life filled with creativity, kindness, and service to others. She grew up on the island in Logan and graduated from Logan High School.

She married Gerald Clayton, and together they raised four sons. Laura had an incredible talent for photography restoration, working for years at Hobson Photography before later retiring from Utah State University’s Photo Services Department. A true artist, she was a master at bringing old photographs back to life.

Laura was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings over the years. She found great joy in attending the temple and serving those around her.

She loved watching her boys participate in sports, especially football, basketball and swimming. She traveled all over the state attending swim meets and helping officiate them. She was an active swimming official for over 20 years.

She was so excited when the Winter Olympics came to Utah in 2002. She was thrilled to volunteer at the events, she cherished her time being part of the excitement, and her prized possession from the games was her impressive pin collection.

Laura had a heart for service, she would give the shirt off her back if she felt someone needed it. Always giving to others in quiet and meaningful ways. She adored animals and was known to carry dog treats in her pockets for neighborhood dogs while keeping food on her porch for any stray cats that wandered by. 

Her love for Utah State University extended beyond her career—she was an avid Aggie football and basketball fan, cheering on her team with passion.

More than anything, Laura loved being a grandma. Some of her grandchildren affectionately called her Grandma Hippo, a name that came from the Hungry, Hungry Hippos game she kept at her house. She embraced the nickname wholeheartedly, and it stuck—even some of her great-grandchildren knew her as Grandma Hippo.

Laura had a special talent for making chocolate turtles and nougat that was a treasured Christmas time tradition. An exceptional cook, her homemade rolls were a staple at Thanksgiving. Her creative spirit extended to crafting, and many were fortunate to receive her beautifully made ceramics, blankets and hand towels.

Laura was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, her parents, Oliver and Nellie, and her sister, Helen. She is survived by her sons, Kurt (Nancy) Clayton of Mesquite, NV; Scott (Kris) Clayton of Spanish Fork, UT; Lance (June) Clayton of Salt Lake City, UT; and Ryan (Becky) Clayton of Cottonwood Heights, UT. She also leaves behind her siblings, Robert Hurst and Kathy Dougherty, as well as ten beloved grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, 12pm at the Logan 10th Ward church house (792 North 500 East). A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30–11:45 AM.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the compassionate care Laura received at Hearthstone Manor in Spanish Fork and for the love and support from the Logan 10th Ward.

Laura’s legacy of kindness, creativity, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com.