Mrs. Willie Ruth Clay, age 97, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at approximately 9:49 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health Systems.

Mrs. Clay was born on August 23, 1919 in Prattsville, Alabama to the union of Joe and Delia (Steward) Stoudemire; both parents preceded her in death.

On August 28, 1942 she was united in holy matrimony to Mr. William B. Clay who preceded her in death on November 18, 1994.

Mrs. Clay was a Homemaker, she was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she was on the Missionary Board and worked on the Kitchen committee.  She also sang in the choir for many years.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory 2 sons;  Ernie Clay (Roxanne) of Lima and Lynn Clay (Shelia) of Defiance, OH.  2 daughters; Geraldine Clay-Moore of Defiance, Ohio and Gwendolyn Clay of Lima. 2 sisters-in law;  Saphronia Steele of Selma, AL and Haruko Clay of Bear, Delaware.  A special nephew: Jake Parker, Sr.  20 grandchildren; Crystal Tucker and Carmen Tucker both of whom she raised.  Michael, Teresa (Tyrone), Charlotte, Mercedes, Charmin, Clay, Tory, Deon, Tavares, Branson, Ashley, William (Jessica),  Lynn, Jr., Jeremey, Corey, Casey, Nisa and Candice.  13 great-grandchildren: Tiffany, JaQuan, Chaise, LaMarion, Jaylah, Tavis, Amaya, Clayton, Serenity, Zaiden, Camryn, Aviana, and Laila.

She was preceded in death by 2 sons; William L. Clay and Jerome Clay.

Services will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church   with Rev. Cleven Jones, officiating.

Visitation/wake services will be held on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at the Chapel of Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc. from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Interment -  Woodlawn Cemetery

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC