Gayla Lee Claybrook

Gayla (Stowell) Claybrook, age 59, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 25, 2013 at Exempla Lutheran Collier Hospice Center after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was the beloved wife of C. Stephen Claybrook. Gayla was the diligent daughter of Helen (Moberly) Stowell and the late Glade Stowell. She is survived by her husband Stephen; mother, Helen; eight children, Daniel (Cintya) Claybrook, Jared Claybrook, Michael Claybrook, David (Alli) Claybrook, Crystal (Brent) Lawyer, Ray Claybrook, Ben (Cornelia) Claybrook, Jade (Audrey) Claybrook; and brother Ron Stowell. Gayla will also be missed by her twelve grandchildren, six nieces and nephews, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Gayla was preceded in death by her father Glade Stowell, and her beloved son Derek Claybrook. Gayla was born in Provo, Utah on March 6th, 1953, and grew up in Bayfield, Colorado. She was often found with her childhood friends Vicki Tanner, Jolene Stephensen and Beverly Hill. Before graduating from Bayfield High School in 1971, Gayla attended a special youth academy from Brigham Young University. She then attended Colorado State University and after two years, transferred to Brigham Young University, where she met and married the love of her life, C. Stephen Claybrook. While raising nine children with Stephen, Gayla earned a Bachelor's of Arts in Education and also worked as a special education teacher. Gayla was known for doing the impossible. She was and always will be remembered for her pure love, bright smile, and beautiful sense of humor. Gayla was a steadfast member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served and shared her love. She was the North Star for many and will continue to be so. Gayla was a woman of many talents she like to sew and knit and do crocheting. She sewed her own wedding dress and made her husband a suit. She made pre-school books and taught many things at home. Gayla also got her Real Estate license in Utah and helped us find and buy our first home. She was a wonder and always made our house a home. She always read the scriptures with the kids every night and made sure we had family home evenings and family prayers. She always got all nine children ready for church each Sunday and made sure we got there on time. She was the heart of our home and her smile and gentle nature made for a special home environment. Family will receive friends Thursday February 28, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00PM, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. The Funeral Service will be held Friday March 1, 2013 at 11:00AM, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6490 Quail Street, Arvada, Colorado. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery, 7777 West 29th Avenue, Denver, Colorado. Please share your memories of Gayla and condolences with her family by signing the guestbook below.