Katherine Joanne Layden

September 22, 1949 - October 23, 2016

Katherine Joanne Layden, 67, of Oakwood, IL, passed away at 8:40 A.M. Sunday October 23, 2016 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born September 22, 1949, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Max and Winifred (Houldridge) Thomas. She married her grade school and high school sweetheart, Steve Layden, upon college graduation on August 21, 1971. He survives in Oakwood, IL. She is survived by one daughter, Abbie (Ryan) Layden-Rogiers of St. Joseph, IL; one son, Matthew Layden of Oakwood, IL; one brother, Steve Thomas of Missoula, MT; 5 grandchildren, Raenen Pettit, Ollie Pettit, Taddy Pettit, Yelka Layden and Avè Pettit; 2 honorary grandchildren, Allison Mann and Christopher Mann; 2 godchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Max Thomas. Katherine obtained a Bachelor’s Degree of Education from Illinois State University in Bloomington, IL. After college, she taught 4th grade at Honeywell School in Hoopeston for 4 years and later taught 1st grade at Heritage Grade School until her retirement. She was very active in volunteering her time in her church community, helping with vacation Bible school, teaching Sunday school and was a nursery volunteer. Katherine also volunteered at the Danville Boys and Girls Club and helped with the annual clean up at Lincoln Park and Kickapoo. Her experience as a grade school and high school cheerleader carried on throughout her life and she enjoyed watching all the sporting events that Steve, Matt and Abbie participated in. She was of course the #1 fan for all of her grandchildren and they were always her #1 love and concern. She enjoyed vacationing with her children and grandchildren, and took trips to Florida with her grandkids every year since they’ve been born. Her most cherished moments were spent reading stories, singing songs and playing silly games with her grandkids. All who were fortune enough to know Katherine appreciated her sweet, kind, gentle, loving persona. Cremation rites will be accorded and a visitation will be held 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Thursday October 27, 2016 at the old Rossville Grade School gym 351 N. Chicago St. Rossville, IL. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 P.M. Friday October 28, 2016 at the family lakeside property 21 Ayrshire Court Oakwood, IL, with Rev. Christopher A. Layden and Pastor Tony Thomas officiating. A private burial will be held by the family. In lieu of bouquets, the family requests perennial plants or memorials be made to the Rossville Grade School Library 350 N. Chicago St. Rossville, IL 60963.