Zoa Layton

Zoa Belle Layton, age 99, who was a long time resident of Independence,KS, passed away August 23, 2020 in Sugarland, TX. Zoa was born in Vinita,OK on May 22, 1921 to Buford and Marie Estes.

Zoa grew up in Coffeyville, KS where she attended school. In 1939;she graduated from Field Kindley High School where she was a member of the Tornado Tillies and the Drum and Bugle Corps. She went on to graduate from CCJC where she met her future husband , Doug Layton. They were married on February 22, 1942 in Coffeyville KS.

Zoa and Doug began their married life in Wichita, KS where Doug was employed by Boeing. They later moved to Lawrence And then to Independence which became their permanent home. Doug and Zoa,or ZB, as Doug called her, we're married for almost 60 years before his death in 2001.


Zoa was active in the lives of her children and her church. She practiced her strong Christian faith by living a life of service and love. For 99 years she brought sunshine and happiness to all those who knew her. She was a member of the Grace Memorial Methodist Church, several church and school organizations, PEO chapter FP, and Mercy Hospital Auxillary. She enjoyed golf, bowling, and sporting events. She was known as a wonderful cook and the best pie maker around. Cooking for others brought her great joy, which was evident at all chili suppers, church dinners and youth functions. She was a sweet, caring and kind person to all she met. She could bring calm to a troubled soul with her loving ways.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters,Cheryl(Steve)Perry of Missouri City, Tx, Linda(Randy) Peterson of Havana, Ks and son Steve Layton of Long Beach Ca.,11 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and brother, Larry Mills of Bartlesville, OK. Preceding her in death were here parents, brother Roy Estes, and her husband.

Family graveside services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to Grace Memorial Methodist Church or the William Douglas Layton Endowed Scholarship at John Brown University.

A memorial book is available to sign from 9:00am - 3:00pm, through September 11th.