Dona Ruth Layman Obituary (1920

Mrs. Dona Ruth (Stafford) Layman, 99, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday June 4, 2019. Mrs. Layman was born on January 10, 1920 to the late Kemper Bascom and Landona (Barb) Stafford in Elkins, WV, and was the youngest of ten children. Mrs. Ruth or "Ruthie" as called by family and close friends, graduated in 1939 from Harrisonburg High School, and in 1943 graduated from Madison College, now known as James Madison University with a degree in Education. She enjoyed teaching for a total of 31 years in Virginia and Florida. She worked as a caseworker for the Department of Social Services prior to being married. Ruthie enjoyed crocheting, traveling, reading, and calling her friends after she was confined to her home. Mrs. Layman also enjoyed reading the letters sent to her from former students that she treasured. She kept scrapbooks and photo albums current, and referred to this as a stroll down memory lane. Ruthie was a long time member of People's Baptist Church. She was active as a Sunday School Teacher and liked visiting members of the church. Mrs. Layman also enjoyed entertaining friends and relatives in her home while her health permitted. On February 14, 1948 she married Charles Edward Layman who preceded her in death on April 12, 2007. She was also preceded in death by their first child, Barbara Kay on July 29 1953. Mrs. Layman is survived by her two sons, Charles David and wife Evon of Jacksonville, FL and Brian Edward and wife Elizabeth of Lakeland FL; grandchildren Leah Layman of Port Townsend, WA and Blake Layman and wife Ashley of Lakeland, FL; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and daughter, Ruthie was preceded in death by her siblings, Bascom Stafford, Charles Stafford, Eva May McCauley, Alfa Stafford, Sylvester Stafford, Mary Margaret Stafford, Bates Stafford, George Stafford and Wilbur Stafford. A memorial service will be held on Friday June 7, 2019 at 11 AM at People's Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Forsythe officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. The burial will be held at 10 AM at Woodbine Cemetery prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Layman requested all memorial contributions be made to People's Baptist Church C/O The Missions Fund, 3523 Spotswood Trail, Penn Laird, VA 22846. Those wishing may share a memory or an online condolence by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com Arrangements entrusted to the McMullen Funeral Home.