Hancford Louise Layne

When reflecting on the life of Hancford Hank Layne, words such as gracious, humble, and loving come to mind, but the word that appears most prevalently throughout her tapestry in time is selfless. Hank was continually looking for ways that she could give to those around her in ways both great and small.

Accompanied by an unwavering faith, she was never overbearing or boisterous in her beliefs, rather, it was in the way she lived her life each day that she witnessed to others. A woman who was content in all things, Hank fully embraced each and every day she was given. Although she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that she is enjoying perfect peace in her eternal home.

The Roaring Twenties brought us some of the most vibrant days we have witnessed as a nation. Innovation was transforming the way we lived our daily lives with inventions like the washing machine, the refrigerator, and the radio. With cars that were more affordable, people were able to travel places that before were impossible to get to, and with Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh pushing the boundaries in the world of flight our options to travel only continued to expand. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1924 that filled with great joy for a young couple from Manton, Kentucky, as they were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Hancford Louise on April 23rd. She was one of eight children born to her parents, Lee and Nelis (Howard) Stephens, and was raised in the family home alongside her sisters, Hazel, Thelma, JoAnn, and Virginia, and her brothers, Talmadge, Holt, and Rabin. Hancford, or Hank as she was usually known, attended local schools and went on to graduate from Martin High School in 1944.

Not to be forgotten during Hanks years in high school was her introduction to the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Charlie Layne, and they began dating as high school students and became high school sweethearts. After graduating Hank started on the road to becoming a dental hygienist, however, she set her career aspirations aside to marry the love of her life on September 16, 1950, at their pastors home in Manton. Once she got married, Hank primarily stayed home to care for her home and family that grew to include their daughter, Priscilla, and her son, Charles. While living in Martin she had been a dental assistant for a time.

To support their family, Hanks husband worked hard in his job. He worked for the coal company in Kentucky, although his work wasnt very reliable as he was laid off when things slowed down. Over the years, he moved Hank and the family several times back up to Indiana and one time to Michigan to follow where the work was taking him. Their final move was from Kentucky to South Whitley, Indiana. In 1956 she worked at Whitley Products and from 1967 through 1968 Hank briefly worked at Chamberlain Products, but other than these few brief times in the workforce she was a dedicated housewife. She was an amazing cook, and her family loved everything she made with her butterscotch pie and cream pull candy being among their favorites. Hank quilted, crocheted, and was a talented seamstress who even made dresses for her granddaughters.

New and exciting changes were in store for Hank in 1953 when she became a Christian and was baptized in the river by the Freewill Baptist Church in Martin, Kentucky. Some time later Charlie came to the faith. Hank deeply loved her church family and served them in several ways as she could often be found cooking dinners at the church after services. With a love for singing Hank often sang at the Freewill Baptist Church in Packerton where she was a member. Her faith was the basis for the advice she gave, and when faced with trials Hank always reminded others to find the blessings in their lives that they could be thankful for.

Throughout her life Hank loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family. She and her husband often sang in harmony together while he played his guitar, and during the holidays their children along with their families often joined in singing various holiday songs. After her husband suffered a stroke, Hank tenderly cared for him, which allowed him to remain in their home for six years. Although she was deeply saddened with his death some time later, she continued on. Hank cherished the holidays even more than she had before as it was a time for them all to gather together. Of course Hank loved cooking for everyone for as long as she was able. Even when the gatherings were later held at her daughters house, she still came with four wonderful dishes in hand despite being asked to only bring one! At times Hanks heart was heavy with concern for others, but even when faced with her own death her concern was only for how the family would be without her.

When reflecting on the life of Hancford Hank Layne, we are reminded that happiness is not found in what we have, rather, it is in the love we share with others that we are richly blessed. She was a simple woman who treasured her faith and her family above all else. In everything she did Hank selflessly put the needs and concerns of others ahead of her own, and she was always there for people to come to in both their joys and their sorrows. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Hank will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were within her reach.

Hancford Hank Louise Layne, of South Whitley, IN, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 9, 2014. Hanks family includes her daughter, Priscilla (Terry) Brandenburg of South Whitley; son, Charles Colin Layne of South Whitley; grandchildren, Tera (Chad) Castle, Tracey (Rachel) Brandenburg and; great-grandchildren, Blake, Keaton and Kelsie Castle, Claire, Audra, Julie and Sarah Brandenburg; brother, Rabin (Tess) Stephens of Alvarado, TX; sister, Virginia Weber of South Whitley; sisters-in-law, Pauline Layne and Georgia Layne of Martin and brother- and sister-in-law, Bert and Janice Layne, all of Kentucky. Hank was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charlie Layne; sisters, Hazel Yates, Thelma Miller and JoAnn Richardson; brothers, Talmadge and Holt Stephens.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, from 2-6 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, October 13, 2014, at the funeral home with Pastor Steve Massie officiating. Burial will follow at South Whitley Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be given in Mrs. Layne's memory to Riley Children's Hospital or Peyton Manning Children's Hospital of St. Vincent.