Leonard and Giles Clay photo

giles-and-leonard-clay

This photo of “Grandpa” Giles, with beard, and his brother Leonard was found by Vicki Large Rasnick. Giles was the father of my grandfather Joseph Leonard, the progenitor of this branch of the Clay family. They lived in Beefhide, Kentucky where Joseph Leonard was born, but later moved to Dickenson County, Virginia. See page “Clay Ancestors” for more details.

 

Pat Rasnick – sadly missed

pat-rasnick0002

Patricia Ann Rasnick

In Loving Memory of Patricia Ann Rasnick       February 25, 1956 – April 22, 2016

On April 22, 2016. Pat left this world for her Heavenly home. She was born on February 25, 1956, making her stay here sixty years. Pat was a 1976 graduate of Clintwood High School. At the time of Pat’s passing she was employed by HSN of Piney Flats, Tennessee. Other than work she loved to read, go the flea markets and make trips to Pigeon Forge.

Pat will be missed but our loss is Heavens gain. Family members have told us, we will have memories of Pat and her laughter we will never forget.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Cobern and Helen Clay Rasnick; her brother, Danny Rasnick; paternal grandparents, James and Ethel Rasnick; maternal grandparents Greathel and Ruth Clay.

She is survived by her brother Jim Rasnick and wife Vicki Large Rasnick; two nieces, Missy and Sharon Mullins; nephews Coby Rasnick, Wesley Rasnick and Wade Rose; very special uncle and aunt, J. Harold and Dot Rasnick;a host of other uncles, aunts, cousins, friends and classmates.

 

Chrissy Clay Casey – much loved and not forgotten

chrissy-clay-casey-hunter

Christina Marie Clay-Casey, age 32, departed this world on Monday, December 12, 2016. She was born October 20, 1984, in Pikeville, KY, to Scott and Lenora (Smith) Clay. A 2002 graduate of Phelps High School, she’s remembered by her friends and classmates as a free-spirit with a heart of gold. She was wed September 6, 2008 to Steve Casey. Together they resided in Springboro, Ohio with one child, a son, Hunter Casey, to who Chrissy devoted her time as a stay-at-home Mom. She truly loved being a Mother, Wife, and pampering her Fur babies. Chrissy is preceded in death by her beloved Granny, Rosalea Smith. She is survived by her husband, Steve; treasured son, Hunter; her parents Scott and Lenora; a brother, Jeremy Clay, sister Tiffany Diehl; adored nieces and nephews Audrey, Paisley, Courtney, Hannah, Justin, Laiken, Coltan; grandparents, Don and Ramona Clay of Clintwood, VA; grandparents, Jim and Gail Baer of Clinton Township, MI; grandfather; Bradley Smith of Wellington, KY; a great-grandmother, Virginia Potter; a beloved special friend Stacy Blankenship; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; Family, Friends, and all whose lives Chrissy touched are invited to her services to be held at Stopover Church of God on Thursday December 15th at 6:00 pm with church services at 7:00 pm with Bro. Harold Layne officiating. On Friday December 16th friends may visit the family after 7:00 pm at the Wilson Funeral Home with church services at 8:00 pm with Bro. Larry Riffe officiating. A graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday December 17th at 11:30 am at the Clay Family Cemetery at 3677 Spankem Branch Road Louisa, KY with Bro. Bobby Workman officiating. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the St Jude Children Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105. Care has been entrusted to Wilson Funeral Home Louisa, KY.

Carolyn Sue Clay Lardie

carolyn-sue-clay-lardie

Carolyn Sue Clay Lardie

Louisa, Ky.

Carolyn Sue Clay Lardie, age 74 of Louisa, Ky. passed away peacefully on Nov. 7,2016. Born on Nov. 27, 1942 to Eda and Arnold Clay of Clintwood,, Carolyn graduated from Western Kentucky State University where she earned a B.A. degree in English and History, and later attended the University of Kentucky where she obtained her doctorate in English. Carolyn was predeceased by her first husband, Don Turner, and is survived by her loving husband, Dean Lardie.  She is also survived by two sisters, Aileen Clay Hood, and Gloria Clay Lucchese.

Carolyn Lardie, also known as Dr. Turner, served many years and touched many lives as a Professor of English at the Prestonsburg Community College, where she later served as Vice-president. Her vivacious nature and supportive personality made her a favorite with students and faculty. Dr. Turner also co-authored the book, John C.C. Mayo, Cumberland Capitalist, which is still housed in the Library of Congress. An avid supporter of the arts, Carolyn played the dulcimer and brought the joy of Appalachian music to others through performances throughout the south. Carolyn spent most of her life championing animal rights and rescuing dogs in need.

In lieu of flowers or cards, the family asks that a donation be made to a music organization or animal rescue group in Carolyn’s honor. A private burial will take place in the spring in the family cemetery in Virginia.

Thelma Kay Kiser & Carolyn Sue Clay 2

 

Visit with Uncle Ed

In February I visited with Uncle Ed and Aunt Virginia when he came home from the hospital.  He was so glad to see me that he hugged me, held on tight and cried, probably remembering that Mom had died recently.  He was not able to walk on his own and his voice was so low that it was hard to hear what he was saying.  I spent several hours with them. Ed insisted his daughter, Lucinda, get some home canned vegetables for me.  I really appreciated it.  He loved to grow a garden and can the produce, and had given Mom and me canned vegetables over the years.  I was so glad I could see him then before he died in May.  See photos below.

2015 Reunion 176 2015 Reunion 179