Clayton Val Griffith

Clayton Val Griffith was born to Val and Bunny Griffith, on September 13, 1975.  His nurse held baby Clay up, blinking in the sun, to introduce him to his three waiting siblings.  Five years later, baby sister Sarah was born, completing the family of five children:  Jim, Bart, Cassie, Clay, and Sarah.  

Clay was a tremendous source of joy growing up.  Nicknamed “Clayterbug”, he was always up for a good time with siblings, cousins, friends, or animals.  He grew up fishing and hunting.  Pheasant hunts on the VB ranch were a tremendous source of fun and friendly competition.   His mission to harvest an imperial bull elk to match Bart’s accomplishment at sixteen was eventually accomplished.  During his school years, Clay was active in 4-H, sports, and FFA.

In middle school, Clay started attending Rodeo Bible Camps.  His passion for team roping developed at this time.  Out of high school, Clay worked for the Weiser School District briefly while studying.  He graduated from Treasure Valley Community College with three associate degrees in two years:  Ranch Management, Range Management, and Forestry.  He spent a few years working for the US Forest Service but then settled in as jail commander for about ten years at Washington County Jail.  During this time, he was blessed with the greatest joys in his life, his son, Gatlin followed in two years by his daughter, Dallysue.  Time with them was a priority from then on.

Clay was passionate about helping kids, so he moved his family to Naches, Washington to work as a missionary on the Flying H Boys’ Ranch for four years.  While there, he helped create a horsemanship program and gave several boys who wanted to attend Rodeo Bible Camp as campers the opportunity.  Clay even baptized one at the VB ranch with family attending.  Clay spent many years as a Rodeo Bible Camp instructor both at IRBC and at NEOCC.

In these last two years, Clay was planning eagerly for his future.  His parting leaves so many reeling from shock and broken hearts. One of his close friends described him recently with the following words.   “He was truly the gold standard.  He was nothing but respectful and always encouraged me to be respectful of myself as well”.  Those words aptly capture Clay’s character and personality.  Clay is survived by his intended bride, Lauren, son, Gatlin, daughter, Dallysue, father Val Griffith, siblings Jim (Treese) Griffith, Cassie (Bob)Young, Sarah Walker, and his beloved nephews and nieces.  Clay was preceded in death by his mother Bunny and brother Bart.

“Well done, my good and faithful servant!!”   Matt 25:21

Clay’s Celebration of Life will be on April 19th,1:00 MST, at the Butte Baptist Church, 3848 Butte Drive, Ontario, Oregon.