Lorraine Layhew

BOARDMAN — It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Lorraine “Lori” Layhew, who died Sunday, July 12, 2026, in the comfort of her home with her loving family at her side.

Lori was born Nov. 14, 1937, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Clarence and Stella Demski Moody. She was raised in Pennsylvania and graduated from Sharpsburg High School, where she was a varsity cheerleader for four years.

After graduating, Lori declined the opportunity to become a stewardess for Trans World Airlines when she met the man who would become her husband. She famously told her parents, “Today I met the man I’m going to marry.” She and Ron were married in 1958, welcomed four children and, in 1967, moved their young family to Boardman.

Lori embraced her new "career" as a wife and mother, devoting herself wholeheartedly to raising her children and supporting their education. Because of her love for children, she became well known in the area as a Girl Scout troop leader. Once her children were grown, Lori attended cosmetology school and later worked as an office manager, a position she truly enjoyed.

An excellent cook and talented seamstress, Lori designed and made many of her own clothes. She was especially known for her delicious apple pies and spaghetti sauce, and she found great joy in hosting holiday dinners and birthday celebrations for family and friends.

Always ready to help others, Lori's laughter and beautiful smile will be long remembered by all who knew and loved her. A remarkably talented woman, she played several musical instruments and "loved, loved, loved" to dance. Had she chosen to pursue it professionally, her family believes she certainly could have.

Lori leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Ronald E. Layhew; her three children, Sandra (James) McInnis of Hartville, Ronald Eric Layhew of Boardman and Judith (Tommy) Hartzell of Youngstown; five grandchildren, Ryan, Blake, Daniel, Dylan and Katrina; and five great-grandchildren, Cadance, Bryce, Kaitlynn, Odin and Atlas.

Besides her parents, Lori was preceded in death by a daughter, Katherine Harrington; and a brother, Clarence Moody Jr.

Family and friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

A private committal service will take place Friday, July 17, 2026, at Green Haven Memorial Gardens in Austintown.