Clayton F. Jellison

Clayton F. Jellison died Thursday, August 31, at the Horizon Hospice Home in Billings of melanoma cancer. Clayton was born June 22, 1930, in Forsyth, Montana, to Herbert and Laura Hoffman Jellison. He graduated from Forsyth High School and entered the Army Airborne Service. He served in the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars.

Upon discharge from the service, he attended and graduated from Eastern Montana College (Montana State University – Billings) with a BS and MS degree in science, and was employed by the Billings School District for 30 years retiring in 1992. During that time, he taught at Lewis and Clark Middle School, West High, and Castle Rock Middle School. During his teaching career, he was instrumental in designing a ninth grade "Introduction to Physical Science" program which was based on an experimental, hands-on approach, and was used throughout the district in the teaching of science.

After retiring from teaching, Clayton volunteered in many capacities. He served as a volunteer for many years for Big Sky Hospice, taught AARP Driver's Safety classes, was involved in the Host Program, and volunteered at the Food Bank. He enjoyed exercising almost daily at the YMCA through most of his life and up to the time of the onset of his illness.

Clayton loved animals and adopted two greyhounds who could no longer race and were in need of a loving home. He enjoyed taking them for walks and runs. He also was the owner of a Vietnamese Pot Belly pig named Sweetpea who took much of his time and attention for 15 years.

Clayton is survived by his wife, Virginia; brothers, Donald of Reno, NV, Harold (Laura Frances) of Roseburg, OR, and James (Joan) of Denver, CO; sister, Edith Scott of Everett, WA; and his children, Jeff, Jim, Beverly Jo, and Jon. His former wife and good friend, Joanne Timmons-Desaever also survives his as well as many nieces and nephews whom he adored and with whom he maintained ongoing relationships.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Herbert Jellison; and sisters, Helen Emmett and LaBerta Kelly.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 5, at the First Congregational Church, 310 North 27th St. Billings, MT.

If friends so desire memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107-5033 or Beartooth Nature Center, P.O. Box 675, Red Lodge, MT 59068 or to the charity of one's choice.