Mildred Tess Clayton was the second of three daughters born to Robert Price Clayton and Mildred Eliza Thomas April 2,1935 in Montpelier Idaho. The daughter of school teachers, she went to school right along with her parents who were her teachers through the 8th grade. She grew up in rural Idaho where she skated on the frozen pond behind their house, skied on skis her dad made, loved stray pet cats and pitched baseball. She came from hardworking Mormon pioneer stock who valued honesty, thrift and family. And she retained these values throughout her life. She was a pianist, an artist and favored pencil drawings. She played the oboe in the high school band and was a member of the choir and pep club. She was naturally gifted at making friends. She was president of her sophomore class and served on many committees. It was on one of these committees that she met her sweetheart Larry P. Kunz. As a junior she served as Student Body Secretary and was valedictorian of her 1953 Montpelier High graduating class. She attended Idaho State College where she was a member of Spurs, a service organization, based on scholarship and leadership. She was a class officer and a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She remained at college until she married Larry. Although she worked for periods as a secretary and medical assistant her primary occupation as wife and mother made the lives and accomplishments of her husband and three children possible. She said she always wanted to be a mother. She was stylish, trim, immaculate and an artist in her home and surroundings. She was personal, direct, intuitive and thoughtful of others. She would look you in the eye, ask questions and listen with sincere interest to all you had to say. She was an excellent conversationalist. She could draw people out, and had a way of making them feel they were the most special and loved. She was cheerleader, chauffeur and financier to the kind of shopping trips where you might get a little something of your hearts desire. Tess loved each one dearly. Her thoughts and gifts were tailored by her keen observations. She followed her husband arross the country in his various jobs and made a home wherever they were. She was organized in every detail. She served in LDS church callings including Sunday School and primary pianist, and twice as Relief Society Secretary. She served on several PTA boards in her children's school years. In retirement they practiced their knowledge of horticulture and created magical gardens. She and Larry shared a love for the outdoors.

She was survived by three children: Debra K.Swofford (Scott), Jill K Stratton (Shane), Larry P. Kunz II (Callie), 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held November 20, 2013.