Dona Jean Byfield Laymon was born in Neosho Falls on April 21, 1928, to Nellie Heslop Byfield and Wessie Byfield. She graduated from Neosho Falls High School with honors in 1946 and moved to Iola. She worked at Hallmark Cards in 1949, then the Sears office in 1950. Later she worked at Becker-Brigham Oil Company, as well as for Bushey Law Office. Her profession was bookkeeping. She was also employed for many years at Durite Lawn Mowers and Cable TV in Iola. Dona joined Brice Wholesalers/Quality Packaging Company and was the office comptroller for over 22 years until it closed in 1985. She then worked for Paul Porter & Associates for over 16 years before retiring.
Dona married Jack R. Laymon on June 30, 1950, and purchased a home in Iola. They were married for 53 years, before the passing of Jack in December of 2003, and lived in the same home until April 2015. They had one child, Lori, in March of 1965.
Dona’s hobbies included quilting, sewing, and collecting. She particularly enjoyed collecting tea pots, glassware, and antique linens. She and Jack frequented auctions and both enjoyed antiques of all kinds. They also enjoyed camping and frequently could be found at the riverside campground in Neosho Falls, surrounded by friends and family.
After Jack’s death, Dona’s health began to decline but she often joined friends at the Iola Senior Center as her health would allow. She lived in her home with assistance of Community Care Connection caregivers until she went to Windsor Place in April 2015. She transferred in May to Winfield, to be near her daughter and family. Dona passed away at Cumbernauld Care Facility on June 25, 2015, at the age of 87.
Dona is preceded in death by a brother, Paul Byfield, Burlington, and a sister, Kay Byfield Jones, Toronto, as well as her parents. She has a surviving brother, Wes Byfield, Burlington. She also is survived by her daughter, Lori Laymon (Bower) Newsome, Winfield, grandchildren, Paige Bower James, Elizabethtown, Ky., and Logan Bower, Arkansas City, a stepson, A.J. Laymon, San Jose, Calif., and stepgrandchildren, Kristen Laymon, Paisley Laymon Dishman and Rhoan Laymon, all of the San Jose/San Francisco area.
As per Dona’s requests, she was cremated and will be laid to rest next to Jack at Highland Cemetery, 1800 N. Cottonwood in Iola. The graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday. All who knew Dona are invited to join her family in remembrance.
Dona Laymon services
