July 14, 2025
Joan Wuerdeman Layne, 97, of Ashland, passed to eternal life at her home on Saturday morning July 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was a lifelong member of Holy Family Church where she participated in Saint Monica’s Guild.
A lifelong resident of Ashland, she was born May 16, 1928, a daughter (and only child) of the late John F. and Mary Heidkamp Wuerdeman.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Richard (Cobb) Layne, son-in-law, Donald Chandler, four grandchildren; Eric, Kristine, Dustin, and Christopher Layne and one great grandchild, Brynne Layne.
She was a graduate of Ashland High School in 1946, Ashland Junior College in 1948 and received her Masters and BA degrees from Morehead State University. She retired from the Ashland Public School system in 1995.
Finally retired and children raised, Joan & Cobb started camping in a small “Scotty” camper at Cave Run Lake. Twin Knobs Campground, loop D9 overlooked the woods and cove and this became their favorite spot. One summer they became camp hosts and stayed at the campground all summer, many times accompanied by several of their adult children. Family reunions and gatherings at Cave Run were an annual event and grandchildren remember the East group camp area well. Anyone that enjoys camping, knows it is hard work to get your “camp” set up. The adult children assisted in getting them to Twin Knobs each year. Memories and stories are still being told. Joan was an avid walker and swimmer. After her husband passed in 2004, her children continued the tradition for many summers and took her and her little dog, Jessie, to Cave Run.
Left to cherish her memory are her ten children,
John C. (Marla) Layne of Union, KY.
Mary L. Chandler, Phillip M. (Lisa) Layne, Anne L. Layne, Mark R. (Deborah) Layne,
Joseph L. (Becky) Layne, Beth L. (Michael) Holmes, David A. (Kelly) Layne, Robyn L. (Tyler) Meek all residing in Ashland and James (Gail) Layne of Catlettsburg, KY.
Grandchildren include: Matthew Layne, Robert (Breanna) Layne, Aaron Chandler (Cortney Bryan, fiancé), Ali (Reid) Smith, Angi (Brent) Wirzfeld, Andrew (Erin) Layne, Hannah Layne, Tyler (Mandy) Layne, Grant (Ashley) Layne, Annie (Eric) Salow, Keith (Rebecca) Holmes, Mark (Lindsey) Holmes, David Holmes, Casey Layne, Phillip, Taylor and Ashley Layne, Joey McDavid, Layne Meek, McKinney Meek, and Abby Meek.
Great-grandchildren: Marley Hughes, Elliott, Garrett, Sutton & Merynne Layne, Cinci, Eloise, Piper, Boston & Blaise Wirzfeld, Cecily, Clarity and Chandler Smith, Charlie Chandler, Rhett and Lily Layne, Carson Layne, Cody (Grace) Layne, Nicholas and Lincoln Holmes, Cameron, and Dylan Layne and one great grandchild and a great, great grandchild on the way.
In addition to her children, Joan was blessed to have wonderful dedicated caregivers throughout the past ten years, including Becky Layne, Kim Kent, Josh Stephens, Billie (Kate) Brown and Darlene Carter. Community Hospice of Ashland provided compassionate in-home services in her final months.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 17th, from 9:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 900 Winchester Avenue, Ashland, KY.
Funeral services will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the Church by Fr. Wayne Morris and assisting will be, Matt Smyser, a seminarian from the Diocese of Lexington.
Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery on Pollard Road in Ashland.
Lazear Funeral Home in Ashland is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Holy Family School or Holy Family Calvary Cemetery Fund. All donations may be sent to the Church Office at 900 Winchester Avenue, Ashland, KY. 41101.
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