Esther A. Layne

Her sister: Louise Craig-Horn, Waco, TX

Her brother-in-law: Charles James Layne, Alexandria, VA

Her children: Loretta (Layne) Keith & spouse, Tom Umatilla, FL / John W. Layne & spouse Lindsey, Deltona, FL / Mark L. Layne & spouse Cathy, Lake-In-The-Hills, IL

Her Grandchildren: Thomas Keith 4th, Eustis, FL / Wendy Keith-Merrill, Mt. Dora, FL / Daniel Keith & spouse Ginger, Dona Vista, FL / Michael Keith, Jacksonville, FL / Kelly Layne & Kristine Layne, Deltona, FL / Heather Layne & Stacy Layne, Lake-In-The-Hills, IL

Her Great Grandchildren: Matthew Keith & Andrew Keith, Apopka / Jamie Merrill & Jarred Klemann, Mt Dora, FL / Elliana Keith, Dona Vista, FL

Esther moved to Florida from New Jersey as a child with her family. She grew up in Orlando graduating high school, becoming a licensed & practicing beautician and meeting and marrying her husband.

Esther was very proud of the fact she played "Fast Pitch Softball" for an Orlando Team in the 1940's. That was a time when women's teams where highlighted while the men where away at war. It had an even greater meaning since she played along side her sister.

Esther lived and traveled throughout parts of Europe, Asia and every state in the USA while married to her career Air Force husband.

She was active for many years with square dancers in the central Florida area and served on many committees including a term as co-president of the planning committee for the Florida's Square Dance State Convention.

Her Swedish heritage was something that was important to her and she kept in touch with parts of her family that resides there. She also made the family-wide famous pressed Swedish cookies and would have an occasional family meal of split pea soup and Swedish pancakes.

Esther made herself available to help family, friends and strangers even when it was an inconvenience to her. It was not uncommon for her to welcome others into her life as family. There are many people who call Esther "mom," "grandma," "aunt" because of her open arms.

The family of Esther would like to thank all those who are not "family" who have provided special care, time and love for Esther and the family. The most recent of these are the staff of Cornerstone Hospice, North Campus Rehabilitation Center of Leesburg, Waterman Florida Hospital and Victory Church of Dona Vista. They not only cared for the body of Esther but also gave her emotional and spiritual love!

If you desire to do something other than flowers the family request you do so in the name of Esther Layne to a charity of your choice.

Services and Visitation are Saturday, July 22, 2017 being provided by Woodlawn Memorial Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Blvd., Gotha, FL 34734. You have an option of offering condolences at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com