Margaret L. (Tanner) Clay

Margaret Louise Tanner Clay, 81, of Auburn, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, at The Commons on St. Anthony. Born in Auburn, NY, on March 31, 1945, she was the daughter of the late Fannie Tanner Brand.

For many years, Margaret worked as a truck driver for Millis Trucking and later volunteered with the SCAT Van. Margaret and her husband of 35 years, Kenneth, cherished the 20 years they lived in Gretna, VA, before returning to Auburn. Married in Las Vegas, they loved returning to the city together every year. Margaret also enjoyed crocheting, vegetable gardening, canning, and spending quality time with her family.

She is survived by her children: Lori Miller (Walter) Varella, Cheryl (Matthew) Klink, Melanie (Jimmy Greathouse) Bassett, and Amy (Brian) Sweeney; her sister-in-law Pat (Grady) Hammock and cousin Virginia Doyle, both of whom were like sisters to her; eight beloved grandchildren: William Brennan, Angela Brennan, Kyle Bassett, Kyonna Smith, Ava Sweeney, Emily Sweeney, Olivia Varella, and Presley Varella; and four great-grandchildren.

Along with her mother, Margaret was predeceased by her loving husband, Kenneth Clay, and her chocolate lab, Bagley.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Margaret’s memory to the SCAT Van. To offer condolences, please visit whitechapelfh.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Margaret L. (Tanner) Clay, please visit our floral store.