Born on March 10, 1928, in Marshalltown, Ethelyn was the daughter of Norman, Sr. and Hilda (Flocker) Holmes. She grew up in Gilman and graduated from the Gilman High School. On February 14, 1947, she was united in marriage to Leslie “Fritz” Clay in Gilman, where the couple made their home and raised their family. Tee held various jobs outside of the home and retired from her supervisory position at GTE in Grinnell. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Gilman American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, camping, fishing and attending WW II reunions with her husband, Fritz. Tee was very fond of her puppy, Mina, but especially loved spending time with her family, neighbors and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory are her three children: Steven (Colleen) Clay, Michael Clay and Leslie Onthank; her six grandchildren: Alicia (David) Purdy, Rodney (Christine) Clay, Stephanie (Dave) Milligan, Jennifer Tibbetts, Matthew Clay, and Brian Onthank; nine great grandchildren: David (Kristine) Purdy, Cory Purdy, Delenna Purdy, Kale (Bryce) Smith, Miranda Tibbetts, Peyton Clay, Phoenix Clay, Katelyn Onthank, and Maisi Onthank; a great, great granddaughter: Piper Waskow and nieces, nephews and their families.

In eternal life, she has been reunited with her parents; her husband, Fritz; a son, Dennis Holmes; a daughter-in-law, Eileen Holmes; a grandson, Scott Holmes; two great grandchildren, Chad and Christopher Clay; a brother, Norman Holmes, Jr.; a sister, Stella Stack; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and beloved nieces and nephews.