Mary "Fran" F. Layman

Mary “Fran” Frances Layman, 87, of Harvard, Illinois, and formerly of Ellenton, Florida, passed away on December 25, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 10, 1938, in Woodstock, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Ruth (Hooper) Smith and spent her early years growing up in Woodstock.

On September 26, 1961, Fran married Larry W. Layman, and together they shared a loving marriage with five children. Fran dedicated many years of service to the First State Bank of Harvard and later worked as a secretary at Washington School.

In her spare time, Fran enjoyed reading and crocheting, finding comfort in life’s simple pleasures. Above all, she treasured her family, who were always the center of her life. Fran will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother.

Fran is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Larry Layman; children, Ruth (Bill Loy) Garman, Derek (Laura) Layman, Stephanie “Stacy” Peters, and Diane (Roy Luth) Pelayo; grandchildren, Katie, Jacob, Zack, Matt, Hillary, Roni, and Karla; and great-grandchildren, Derek, AJ, Maxx, Mikele, Daveon, Kayleigh, Omari, Alivia, and Daniela.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Ruth Smith; son, Chad Layman; sons-in-law, Mitchell “Mitch” Garman and Jeff Peters; sister, Catherine Smith; and sister-in-law Karen Garey.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 1:00-3:00PM at Wild Cherries restaurant, 413 Southtowne Dr., Belvidere, IL 61008. Her remains will be laid to rest at Sarasota National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL, alongside her son, Chad. Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home is honored to serve the Layman family.