Elfredra “Freddie” Swartz Clayton, 92, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at Windsor Care Center, surrounded by her family and grandchildren.

She was born March 14, 1933, in Lexington. She was the daughter of the late Clara Eads Mastin of Mt. Sterling and the late Harold Swartz of Olympia.  A lifelong resident of Mt. Sterling, she was known to everyone as Freddie or Granny Freddie.  She began her career with The Licking Valley Community Action Program, where she knocked door to door helping to get bathroom facilities inside homes all across Montgomery County.  Then in 1975, she worked as a healthcare professional at the Montgomery County Health Department.  During her early years with the department, she was instrumental in spearheading the family planning program, which provided much needed resources to women in the county.  The development and implementation of the WIC program followed, along with the child seat and safety program.  From 1975 until her full retirement in 2004, her commitment to the women and children she worked with never wavered.  She truly loved her job and made a lasting impact on those she served.  In the late 80s, she also worked part-time as an EMT, and for several years was the only female EMT in Montgomery County.  She spent her career in public service and was proud to be a member of the team at the Montgomery County Health Department.  However, she would tell you her greatest accomplishment was being a mother to her five boys. She raised five beautiful men that adored and respected her.

Her sons include Michael (Janice) Clayton, Steve (Denise) Clayton, the late Alan (Linda) Clayton, the late Arthur “Bubby” (June) Clayton, the late Robert “Tony” (Theresa) Clayton, and the late John Irvin Clayton.  She taught them core values that centered around a strong work ethic, always putting your family and children first, and you always lead by example.

She was also the proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren, Candace (Brian) Minnich, Angela (Charles) Martin, Christopher (Dawn) Clayton, Alexander (Christy) Clayton, Patrick (Sara) Clayton, Toni (Heath) Clayton, Dillon (Kyssa) Clayton, Jeremy (Marilyn) Clayton, Austin Clayton and Lindsey (Justin) Yeary, 16 wonderful great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild, whom she cherished.

Celebration of life was conducted Wednesday, Dec. 3, at Herald and Stewart Home for Funerals Chapel with Alfred Blevins and Pastor Chris Wells officiating.  Burial was in Machpelah Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Dillon Clayton, Chris Clayton, Alex Clayton, Austin Clayton, Jeremy Clayton, and Joseph Compton.

Services entrusted to the care of Herald and Stewart Home for Funerals.