Obituary: Clayton, Elsie Mae (Blizzard)
Age 88
She was loved and is missed by her true family, her longtime friends; Elsie talked of them often.
She worked at the Yardley Tavern and eventually owned the Sage, Larry’s and Checkerboard Taverns.
Elsie was loved by many people.
She took care of a lot of us and made sure we were okay.
She loved her animals and her plants.
Elsie was a very special person.
We will miss her.
She was sweet and kind.
She never forgot a face or a name.
Our whole family loved her.
Elsie was a very dear friend, she is missed very much by us all.
The Ferns Family.
Over fifty years ago I met Elsie at the Yardley.
Over the years we became close friends.
Behind her bar she had to play many roles; arbitrator, matchmaker, fight defuser or just a good person to visit with.
Elsie dispensed beer, wine and sound advice when asked.
Many of my friends came my way due to her steering us together.
There wasn’t much smooth sailing in Elsie’s life, but she kept on working all the while enjoying her customers whom she treasured.
I said farewell to her the day she died, but there can be no goodbyes to the memories of having such a decent and caring friend.
Go with God my dear.
John Phillips.
I’m thinking about the kitty cottage Elsie had out the back door of the bar.
It was a doll house, but she made it into a cat house and there was always a resident, and always food and water.
That was the way she treated people also.
She was generous with all people, but especially those who needed it.
I remember all the old boys that would meet there on Fridays at the Checkerboard and sit at the big table in the back.
Elsie was a wonderful hostess.
John Lyons.
I knew Elsie for 55 years and worked for her.
We enjoyed many good times.
She was a good friend.
I miss her.
Tho Elsie is gone, the memories will always be with me.
Judy Hanson.
To my best friend, Elsie, whom I recently lost.
I loved and miss you very much, like many of your long-time friends; but no one loved you or could miss you more than I. I saw your good side and bad, and you saw mine; but I know that you loved me too.
There were hard times, but many more good times.
I let someone override me on a promise I made to you.
Your last day was to be at home.
You passed in a strange place the day after being moved from your home.
I will have to live with the guilt for the rest of my days.
I lost the chance for one last hug and peck on the cheek, which I am so very sorry for.
A big part of me was ripped away on that day, and the void will never be filled.
David Neis.
A special thank you to Judy Hanson for the help over the last few years, and the caring when she needed it most, when the end was near.
Ken and Punky for being there when she needed to see a good friend.
To Elsies family of friends…you know who you are.