Dorothy V. Layne, 89, of Chillicothe, passed away at 7:51 a.m. on Friday, November 12, 2010, at OSF Saint Clare Home in Peoria Heights.
She was born on February 17, 1921 in Sugar Tree, TN, a daughter of Charles Whitman and Ida Etta (Ward) Matlock. She married Edward H. Layne on January 11, 1941 in Forest City, AR. They relocated to the Chillicothe area in 1948 and raised their seven children at Layne Crossing. He preceded her in death on October 19, 1997 in Chillicothe. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Rebecca Garrison; and son-in-law, Jerry Longstreth.
Dorothy is survived by her children, Charles (Mary) Layne of Pekin, Richard (Cherie) Layne of Chillicothe, Carole Longstreth of Chillicothe, David (Genell) Layne of Chillicothe, Deborah (Robert) Spencer of East Peoria and Cynthia Holocker of Peoria; twenty grandchildren; twenty-nine great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and sisters, Laverne, Linda and Glenda.
Starting in 1961, she drove a school bus for Chillicothe Township (IVC) High School Unit 321, until her retirement in 1975. Dorothy and Ed loved traveling the country together in their Airstream and had many friends, who shared their love of travel, shuffleboard, fishing, pot-luck get-togethers and relaxation.
She was a member of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International and was a shuffleboard champion. She also enjoyed listening to Lawrence Welk and the Lennon Sisters; crocheting; canning; and spending time with her family and friends.
Dorothy was a hard worker, with great money managing skills. She raised her seven children well and was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Dorothy was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Chillicothe, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 15, 2010, with Pastor Curtis L. Cochran officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be in LaSalle Cemetery in rural Chillicothe. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dorothy’s memory to the OSF Saint Clare Home Activity Fund.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 W. McClure Ave., in Peoria.