Lydia Anne Clayton, 33, died tragically on Aug. 1, 2014. 

Lydia was born in Gales Creek, Ore., on Nov. 20, 1980. to Robert and Debra Clayton. She grew up in Carlton, Ore., and attended Yamhill-Carlton schools and graduated in 1999. She then attended the University of Idaho, earning a bachelor of science in horticulture in 2004 and a master of science in plant Sscience in 2009. Lydia chose the Palouse — or it chose her — as her home, and her love of the land was clear to everyone who met her. Lydia dedicated herself to the agricultural community of the Palouse, University of Idaho and the Kenai Peninsula as the University of Alaska Fairbanks Agriculture/Horticulture Extension Agent. 

“Lydia’s positivity and exuberance for life were contagious, and she worked hard to surround herself with the people and communities she loved,” her family said. “Lydia was a loving and passionate woman; she enjoyed adventuring, gardening, hot springing, and especially loved spending time with and caring for those she loved.”

Lydia will be missed and remembered by her parents, Robert and Debra Clayton; her siblings, Hallie and Tyler; her fiancé. Michael Friedrich; her cats, Mr. Kitty and Cheetoh, as well as many, many friends and colleagues. 

A celebration of life will be held in honor of Lydia on Sept. 6, 2014, in Genesee, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate time or money to your local community gardens; Soil Stewards Organic Farm, Attn: Jodi Johnson-Maynard, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 2339, Moscow, Idaho 83844-2339; or Backyard Harvest at BackyardHarvest.org in Lydia’s remembrance.