Railyn Elizabeth Clifton

With unimaginable sorrow we announce that our precious daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, aunt, cousin and friend Railyn Elizabeth Clifton (Peanut) passed away on September 5th, 2025.

Railyn was born on May 14, 2012, in Great Falls, Montana, to David Clifton Jr. and Tracie Meshal and from the moment she entered this world she brought light, laughter and endless love. She was the most kind and compassionate little girl, always thinking of others and finding ways to make those around her feel loved and seen.

Railyn had a deep love for art and spent countless hours drawing, creating and pouring her heart into her imagination. She was especially tender with animals, forming a close bond with her cat Bella, who rarely left her side. Her kind heart and gentle spirit touched everyone she met.

She shared an unbreakable bond with her twin brother Lane, who was her other half, and she adored her sister Kaitlyn with all of her heart. Her cousins were her playmates and her closest friends and family who meant everything to her.

Some of her happiest memories were our summers in Houston. Railyn loved the beach, feeling the sand between her toes and the waves at her feet. She loved going to the zoo and spending hours exploring the museums, always curious, always full of wonder. Those adventures brought her so much joy and are now treasures we will hold close forever.

Though Railyn bravely battled mental illness, she tragically lost her fight. Yet her story is not defined by her struggle but the kindness, love and joy she gave so freely. She was compassionate beyond her years, and her memory will forever inspire us to love more deeply and to cherish every moment.

Railyn’s life, though heartbreakingly short, will always be remembered and celebrated by her parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins who were blessed to have known and love her. She will remain forever our “Peanut” and the imprint she left on our hearts can never be erased.

She survived by her mother, Tracie (Meshal) and Father David (Cheryl); sister, Kaitlyn; twin brother, Lane; grandparents, Helen and Mike; grandmother, Nikki; aunts, Kelly (Billy) Misty, Maria, Peggy (Dan); uncle, Rodney; half-sister, Amanda (Chris); half-brother, Joe (Shyanne); step siblings, Kallie (Dylan), Tristan (Josi) and Jacob; several great aunts & uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; along with all her Nigerian family.

She is preceded in death by her Aunt Josette Kienenberger; her great grandparents, Lillian and Gerald Stratman; grandfathers, Rodney Kienenberger Sr and David Clifton Sr; and step grandparents, Ken Brown and Maryann Clifton.

Services are Saturday, September 13th, 2025, 2:00 pm at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Friday, September 12, from 6-7 pm at the church.