Obituary of Clayton Vining

Clayton M. Vining In loving memory of Clayton Vining's passing on February 3, 2014, only two weeks shy of his 60th wedding anniversary. His unconditional love and dedication to his wife Betty, his four children, 14 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren was a gift that we will continue in his memory and realize that no greater gift could have been given to us. Clayton's strong work ethic and business success, though appreciated, was secondary to his devotion to his family. Clayton married Betty Elaine Hubbard on February 14, 1954 in White Hall, Illinois. He had four children, Bruce Hubbard Vining (Rebecca), Nashville, TN; Vicki Ann Geiger (Robert), Morris, IL; Deborah Elayne Ryva (Jeffrey), Morton, IL and Jennifer Leigh Lavin (Martin), Plainfield, IL; 14 grandchildren, Jeffrey Geiger (Emily), Eugene, OR; Brett Geiger (Justin), Morris, IL; Richard Vining (Erin), Minneapolis, MN; Hadleigh Vining Branden (Dovid), Chicago, IL; Sarah Cannon (Mitchell), Carbon Hill, IL; Daniel Ryva (Keli), Normal, IL; Brian Lavin, Columbia, MO; Matthew Vining, Minneapolis, MN; Nathan Ryva, Morton, IL; Kelsey Geiger, Chicago, IL; Kevin Lavin, Plainfield, IL; Eric Lavin, Plainfield, IL; Bradley Ryva, Morton, IL and Brittany Ryva, Morton, IL; 7 great grandchildren. Clayton was born on April 18, 1931 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The first son of Merle & Edna Vining. Clayton is survived by one brother, Gerald Vining, of Grand Haven, MI. Clayton graduated from Aberdeen South Dakota High School in 1950 and excelled in football, basketball and track. These skills earned Clayton a scholarship to Purdue University. Graduation was accomplished in 1957. The delay was due to Clayton serving his country during the Korean War. Clayton married the love of his life, Betty Hubbard, on Valentine's Day 1954. His devotion was an example few could mirror. Clayton worked in dairy management coast to coast for Swift, Esmark and Beatrice currently ConAgra. Our family will be forever grateful that his success offered the ability to retire to Peoria, IL in 1991, allowing so many more wonderful family memories. Clayton and Betty relocated to Morris in 2009, close to children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are thankful for the generosity of what has become home for us these last four years with not only family, but also our wonderful friends and neighbors. Visitation for Clayton M. Vining will be held Saturday, February 8, 2014, from 4 - 6 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Rt. 6 at Deerpath Drive, Morris, IL. As it was Clayton's wish, cremation rites will be accorded following the visitation. Memorials in his name can be made to the Parkinsons Research Foundation. For information (815) 942-5040 or www.fredcdames.com