Kathryn B. Layher

Kathryn Bertha Layher, 100, of Wood River, died July 8, 2020 at her home in Wood River.

Services will be on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 10:30 am at the First United Methodist Church in Wood River with Rev. Trudy Hanke officiating. Burial will be at the Wood River Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 5 to 7 at the First United Methodist Church in Wood River. CDC guidelines will be followed. Memorials are suggested to the Wood River Fire Department, the Wood River American Legion or to Meals on Wheels. Apfel Funeral Home is serving the family.

Kathryn was born on October 15, 1919 outside of Wood River, the daughter of Frederick (Doc) and Frances (Reed) Henderson, the fifth of seven children. She grew up in Shelton and Wood River and graduated from Wood River High School in 1937. She was united in marriage to Arnold F. Becker on September 14, 1940 in Wood River. Two sons, Francis and Clifford were blessed to this marriage. Arnold died in active duty on May 3, 1944. Kathryn married Sherman L. Layher on January 10, 1949 in Wood River. The couple lived in Wood River and Giltner and were blessed with one son, Dale. Sherman died in 1953. Kathryn moved back to Wood River and began working for the Wood River schools in the cafeteria, becoming the head cook at the elementary school until her retirement.

Kathryn was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wood River, Gold Star Wives, Daughters of the American Revolution, Auxillary, and Royal Neighbors of America. Kathryn enjoyed cooking, baking, knitting, sewing, gardening, reading, and watching Jeopardy along with Wheel of Fortune. Her greatest joy was spending time with family and especially the little ones. She loved keeping up on current events and visiting with family and friends.

Kathryn is survived by a son Clifford (Betty) Becker, Grandchildren; Mitchell (Pam) Becker, Kianne (Steve) Lamb, Chris (Herbert) Heusel, Janeen Edwards, and James Becker. Great-grandchildren; Derrick (Kelsi) Becker, Darcy Allard (Cory Gillmore), Mark (Jill) Lamb, William (Meredith Cain) Becker, Michael Lamb, Austin Edwards, Matthew Lamb, Alex Glasenapp, Brandon Heusel and Leland Becker. Great-great-grandchildren; Alise, Jaycee, Olivia, Jesse, Jax, Ruger and Rhett. Former daughter-in-law Jerilyn (Joye) Becker. Special niece Grace Ann Oliver, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Arnold and Sherman, all her siblings, and sons Dale and Francis.