Stephanie M. Clayter

On March 19, 2026, at 9:35 a.m., another angel was called home.

Stephanie Mae Clayter, of Sinking Spring, passed away peacefully at Reading Hospital after a short fight with lung cancer, with her husband, Robert Clayter, by her side.

She was born Stephanie Mae Boltz on February 22, 1956, at 7:15 a.m. in Lebanon County, PA, to Gordon Boltz and Jean (Rothgable) Boltz. She was the oldest of five children.

Stephanie graduated from Cedar Crest High School in 1974. Between 1974 and 1976, she worked at a pizza parlor in Annville and spent most of that time as a cashier at Nichols Department Store in Palmyra.

In 1976, she and one of her best friends, Linda Lapp, enlisted in the U.S. Army, believing they were headed to California-but they never got anywhere near it. Instead, Stephanie spent most of her service in Germany as an artillery repair specialist. She had a distinguished career and was honorably discharged in 1979.

Stephanie knew as early as age 12 or 13 that she wanted to be a nurse. After completing nursing school in 1982, she began working at Reading Hospital as an LPN, where she remained until her retirement in 2020, dedicating nearly 38 years of care and compassion to her patients.

In 1981, while out celebrating her birthday with her brother Cork, she met Robert Clayter. Their relationship over the next ten years had its ups and downs, but in January 1991, Robert realized what mattered most. From then on, it was just the two of them-exactly the way they wanted it. After 18 years of her turning down several proposals, Stephanie finally said yes. They were married on April 17, 2009.

From January 1991 until her passing, Stephanie and Robert were rarely apart-if you saw one, you saw the other. The start of the pandemic coincided with her retirement, giving them even more time together at home, something they both cherished deeply.

Stephanie lived a simple life. She didn't ask for much and never demanded anything from anyone.

She was especially known for her Christmas cookies, a tradition she loved sharing. Though she baked less in recent years, just a little over three months ago she was still in the kitchen making cookies alongside two of her great-nieces and her two little great-great-nieces. Robert happily took care of whatever was left-though there usually wasn't much.

Stephanie also loved family gatherings, both with her own family and Robert's. Over the years, she grew very close to his family and was deeply loved in return. Together, she and Robert spent time with loved ones across Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, California, and beyond.

They also shared many travels, visiting Florida, California, Hawaii, Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, New England, Las Vegas, New Orleans, and other destinations.

Stephanie was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. The world feels a little dimmer without her. She leaves behind many broken hearts and tear-filled eyes, and memories that will be cherished always.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon Boltz and Jean Brady; her brother, Gordon "Cork" Boltz Jr.; and her sister, Kelly White.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Clayter; her sister, Judy Kern; her brother, Scott Boltz; four nieces; one nephew; as well as great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces.

A celebration of Stephanie's life will be held on Sunday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Edward H. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc., 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611. Family and friends are invited to gather from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Condolences may be shared at Kuhnfuneralhomes.com.