Clay C. Crist

On Sunday, July 7, 2019, Clay Crist, age 72, a loving husband, father, and granddad, returned to be with our Heavenly Father. He passed away unexpectedly on the family ranch after a day full of his favorite things. Clay was born on October 24, 1946 in Raton, NM to Carl and Vada (Weese) Crist. The family later moved to Clayton where he grew up. Clay married Bennie Good on September 24, 1966 in Juarez, Mexico. They made their home in Corona before moving out to the ranch in Yeso where Clay and Bennie have made their home for over 40 years. Clay was a lifelong rancher. He was a past member of the National Guard, and a long-time supporter of his community, Clay served on the Corona School Board, Fort Sumner School Board, and the De Baca County Fair Board. He loved spending time with his family and collecting arrow heads. Clay lived an exceptional life. Clay is preceded in death by a daughter, Kyla Crist, his parents, and a sister Kimberly Crist. Survivors include, his wife of 52 years, Bennie Jeanne Crist of the family ranch, two sons Cary Crist and his wife Jaylene of Texico, NM, and John Crist and his wife Melisa of Yeso, grandchildren Casey Crist and his wife Audrey, Laiken Gardner and husband Matt, Delaine Crist, Talen Crist and fiancé Kylie, Micah Crist, and Ben Crist; great grandchildren Hadley and Caden Crist, and Corbyn and Grant Gardner. Also surviving are Clay’s siblings Lance, Larry, Jeff, Carol, Janet, and Carla along with a host of other relatives and many friends. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at the Crist Shipping Pens, on the Crist family ranch with Mr. Gary Good and Mr. Caleb Elliott officiating. (The location is on U.S. 60, 9 miles west of Yeso. Turn north at mile post 295. The pens are located 4 miles north of U.S. 60.) The family requests contributions in memory of Clay Crist to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, Agriculture Program, 600 SW 11th  Avenue, Amarillo, Texas 79101. Arrangements are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 N. Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311.