Gerrie Ann Clay

Geraldine "Gerrie" Ann Clay, age 89, of Perry, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Gerrie was born on May 11, 1937, in Tomah, Wisconsin, to Charlotte (Field) Honel and Carl Honel. She grew up in Tomah, where she attended school and formed many lifelong friendships that she treasured throughout her life. She graduated from Tomah High School in 1955. During high school, Gerrie was actively involved in numerous activities. She was a member of the marching band, where she served as a baton twirler and Marinette, sang, and was honored as the 1955 Honor Queen of Job's Daughters.

On June 10, 1956, Gerrie married the love of her life, Ronald Clay, in Tomah, Wisconsin. Together they shared more than 53 wonderful years of marriage before Ron's passing in 2010. Their marriage was blessed with three daughters, ten grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Gerrie began her career as a telephone operator for Ma Bell and later worked at the McKewin Eye Doctor in Tomah. After moving to Perry, she balanced raising her daughters while working as a processing clerk for Oscar Mayer for 14 years. She then managed Family Eye Clinic for 15 years before retiring. Never one to stay inactive for long, she also enjoyed working part-time at H&R Block during tax season.

As a proud military wife, Gerrie was honored to stand beside Ron throughout his service. Ron served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War, and Gerrie was deeply proud of both his service and their country.

Family was the center of Gerrie's life. She and Ron spent countless weekends cheering on their daughters as they played softball and basketball. Their unwavering love and encouragement helped shape the remarkable women their daughters became, a legacy that has continued through future generations.

Her grandchildren were among her greatest joys. Each one held a special place in her heart, and she loved them for their unique personalities and talents. They will forever remember their grandma faithfully attending their games, recitals, school programs, and milestone celebrations, always beaming with pride. Gerrie was also blessed with the joy of watching her family continue to grow as she welcomed fourteen beloved great-grandchildren into her life.

In her free time, Gerrie enjoyed Friday game nights, shopping, sewing, ceramics, scrapbooking, attending performances at the Civic Center, browsing craft shows at the fairgrounds, and, of course, taking many memorable trips to the casino with Ron.

Gerrie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ronald "Ron" Clay; her parents, Charlotte and Carl Honel; her grandson, Jared Smith; her great-grandson, Leonidas "Leo" James Ballard Van Gundy; her sister, Lois Ahrensmeyer; her brother, Bob Honel; and her in-laws, Francis Lyle Clay, Hulda Wildes, and Herbert Wildes.

Left to cherish her memory are her three daughters, Deborah (Carl) Smith of Des Moines, Pamela (Randy) Ballard of Perry, and Mishelle (Brad) Johnson of Johnston; her ten grandchildren, Jacob (Shannon) Ballard, Jennifer Ballard Smith, Kristin Ballard, and Karmin (Cord Ramirez) Ballard; Juli Smith, Kyle Smith, and Matthew Smith; Kellen (Jennifer) Johnson, Bryce (Madison) Johnson, and Mryn (Caleb) Carius; her fourteen great-grandchildren, Chloe (Kiza) Ndume, Issac Ballard, Elias Ballard, Dawson Smith, Emilia Ramirez, Bink Ramirez, Benny Ramirez, Alfie Ramirez, Opal Ramirez, Jayde Johnson, Charlotte Johnson, Henry Johnson, and Rowen Johnson; along with many beloved dogs and cats, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning one hour prior, at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Perry. Burial will follow at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Perry, Eden Acres Activities, or the Perry Food Pantry. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.