Margaret Lucy Reed Clay, 99, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2023 in her home overlooking Clay's Park Resort. Margaret was born and raised with her brother Murray in Cincinnati, Ohio. After graduating from the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio, she worked in the fashion industry in Cleveland until marrying John Otis Clay in 1947. John, also a College of Wooster graduate, had recently returned from his Naval duty in the South Pacific during WWII. The oil and gas industry took them to Monroe, Louisiana where they raised their 5 children. Margaret and John developed many life-long friends in their 50 plus years in Monroe. They were founding members and active supporters of Saint Paul's United Methodist Church. Margaret was president of the Junior League chapter and enjoyed very much her bridge games with friends.

While living in Monroe they would move the family to Ohio every summer to help manage Clay's Park, which was started by John's dad, Otis. After John's death in 2006, Margaret moved full time to their home overlooking Clay's Park. She loved the beauty of the lakes and the rolling, wooded hills of the Park. She also loved the excitement of the Park during the summer and considered many of the season campers and the staff as her friends. She was active in providing "advice" and counsel to the staff well into her nineties and was respected and revered as the Matriarch of Clays Park.

Margaret was a member of the Canal Fulton Methodist Church. She was a regular at the bridge tables at the senior center in Canal Fulton, Ohio and enjoyed hosting the group at her home at Clay's Park.

Margaret was proceeded in death by her husband of 59 years, John. She is survived by her 5 children-- John Reed Clay (Mary Margaret) of Fort Worth, Texas; Michael Clay of Monroe, Louisiana; Timothy Clay (Debra) of Houston, Texas; Peggy McQuaide (Kevin, deceased) of Madison, MS; and Thomas Clay of Gulf Shores, AL.

"Peppy" was beloved by her 12 grandchildren, Mary Carolyn (Ben Gatzke), Reed (Lauren), Katherine (Ray Strecker), Caroline (Paul Houston), Michael, Katie (Kevin Dalrymple), Kendall (Andy Louis), Clay, King, Lucy, Jon and Lexie. "Peppy" also took great delight in visiting with her 15 great grandchildren as they came to Clay's Park for family reunions.

Her grandchildren fondly recall that as recently as a few months ago she could be found messaging friends and family on her iPhone or talking politics over a cocktail and enjoying the sunset from her beloved porch.

In her last years, when independent living was more difficult, "Peppy" was surrounded by her caretakers, who became her friends and to whom she referred to as her "Angels"—Becky, Michelle, Miriam, Betty, Sheila, Shirley and Marriah. Her family will be eternally grateful for the care and comfort provided by her "Angels".

"Peppy" was a Lady of Grace, Gratitude, Intellect, Integrity, Resolve, Joy, Love, and Faith. She will be missed greatly by those who knew her and loved her, and will always stand as a shining example of how life should be lived. She will be celebrated during a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the College of Wooster, Canal Fulton Methodist Church or a charity of your choice.