Jeff passed away at Bronson Hospital on Wednesday, June 17 following a brief but valiant fight against cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends who walked him home to his Savior.

Donald Jeffery “Jeff” Layne was born in Plainwell on July 24, 1962 to Donald and Lucy Layne. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Charlie, and his nephew Michael Bailey. He is survived by his wife Ruthie, daughters Jen Hinga and husband Cory, Elyssa and Ari Layne, grandchildren Gracie, Brody and Layne Hinga, sister Sondra Layne and niece Ali, sister and brother in law Brenda and Mike Bailey, nieces Mallory and Kelsey, great nephew Connor, and in laws Carl and Marilyn Rosema, Harold and Ruth Severance, and Roger Severance.

Jeff’s legacy is one of unsurpassing love for his family and his Lord. All of his time and energy were devoted to supporting the people he loved. We miss him terribly; he loved us all so well.

HIs life’s work was in the paper industry. He retired from the Paper Pilot Plant at WMU in 2024. He spent the past year attending sporting events for Elyssa, Ari, Gracie and Brody, and traveling with his family, taking us to Sault Ste. Marie, a cruise in the Caribbean, Kansas City for a Chief’s game for Ari, Key West with Elyssa then again with extended family, and Greece (a spot he was not eager to visit but enjoyed immensely). He was enjoying time with family and making new memories, and we are so grateful that we had the time with him. He attended everything he could for family, from doctor and dentist appointments to sporting events, even most every sports team practice for his daughters. We knew he was not well when he was unable to attend soccer games this spring. He brought us to church every Sunday, even while traveling. As he became ill, he asked his doctors and nurses if he could pray at the end of every appointment. Nearly every one accepted his offer. He thanked the Lord for the care he received from them, and asked for restored health. He chaperoned events for his daughters, coached them, took Elyssa hunting, attended sporting events with them, watched Chiefs games with Ari and bought the girls the dogs he didn’t need or particularly want, but knew would make his daughters happy. He loved to surprise Gracie, Brody and Layne with ice cream or another treat. He helped Cory and Jen put a new roof on their home, and didn’t hesitate to call them for project help. He enjoyed watching them grow their marriage and family. Ali has also been a special part of our family and Jeff had fun including her on family trips to see new places. He loved his home on the creek with the swimming pool he always wanted, and was thankful to be able to open it to family and friends to relax with a swim and bonfire, or to celebrate a holiday together.