Florence was born Feb. 22, 1918, at the U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station near Norwood, Colo., to William I. and Mary E. Wilson. The family moved into Norwood and Florence attended 12 years of school, graduating from high school in 1936. She attended the University of Colorado and University of Denver School of Commerce graduating in 1941 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She came to Battle Mountain in 1942 where she taught Commercial subjects in the High School.
She married Alvin Layton June 1, 1943. They lived in Copper Canyon, Copper Basin, and then settled in Battle Mountain where they raised two boys, David and Dean.
Florence was active in the Methodist Church, serving in many capacities as well as being the pianist for 40 years. She also played piano for the other churches in town when they needed a pianist. She was active in P.T.A. both local and state level. She was an avid stamp collector. She also spent much time crocheting, and making quilts and afghans. She made over 400 afghans with many of them being given to the local hospital for Long Term Care Patients, and to the Shriner's Children's Hospital.
Florence was initiated into Miriam Chapter No. 20 O.E.S. in Telluride, Colo., in August of 1942. She affiliated with Mountain Star Chapter No. 21 O.E.S. in Battle Mountain in 1944. She served as Worthy Matron of Chapter in 1949 and again in 1950. She served 46 years as secretary of the Chapter. She served in appointive offices of Grand Chapter of Nevada and was elected Worthy Grand Matron in 1967, serving through 1968 with the late Clarence K. Jones as the Worthy Grand Patron. Grand Chapter was held in Winnemucca in 1968, the first time held in the rural area of Nevada.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents: William I. and Mary E. Wilson, her husband Alvin Layton, her son Dean Layton, her brother Wilfred Wilson, and a sister Mary Louise Broyles. She was also preceded in death by step-son Keith and wife, Lucille Layton. Surviving are her son David Layton and wife Ellie, and grandchildren Dodie (Nathan) Campbell of Winston/Salem N.C., Selwyn (Kara) Layton of Ceder City, Utah, and Heather (Mitchell) McKay of Gainesville, Fla. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren: Alanah, Ian, Emily, Layton, Lilly, and Olivia.
In lieu of flowers donations can be given to Shriner's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah: the Battle Mountain Museum or the Methodist Church in Battle Mountain.
The viewing will be held at the Methodist Church, Battle Mountain, Nevada on Friday, Oct. 19 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. The funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Graveside services afterwards will be at the Battle Mountain Cemetery.
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