Raymond Paul Layshock

Raymond Paul Layshock, 84, died peacefully at home on October 31, 2021, after a valiant battle with dementia. Born July 11, 1937, Ray was raised on a farm in Hartford, OH, by his parents, John and Johanna (Tokoly) Layshock.

Ray's early years instilled in him both a love of farming, and a remarkable work ethic which served him well throughout his life. He worked at a steel mill in Youngstown, OH until he graduated in 1960 from Youngstown State University. That same year Ray wed Janet Gabutti, who remained steadfast by his side for the next 61 years. They quickly settled into married life and Ray began a job with Shell Oil. Ray and Janet spent their early years in Ohio where they welcomed a son, Paul and a daughter, Jean. Due to Ray's next job with ATT, his growing family relocated to Fort Wayne, IN, where his youngest son, Tom, was born completing their family. Always ambitious, Ray's next career move brought him to International Harvester, where he excelled for the next 18 years.

During this busy time of his life Ray's love of farming never waned, and he and Janet bought an 82-acre farm in the small town of Churubusco, IN. The entire family was expected to work beside him, tending to the livestock, corn, soybean and greenhouse tomato crops. This way of life imparted Ray's strong values about hard work and the importance of family to his children. With the move to Indiana and proximity to South Bend, Ray became a diehard Notre Dame football fan. He attended many games in person, was often garbed in the green and gold, and rarely missed a televised game well into his 80s.

In 1982, Ray was transferred to Illinois where he made his final home in Cary. One year after the move, Ray retired from International Harvester and bought a small landscaping business. He renamed it Naturescape Irrigation, Inc., and changed the scope of the business from landscaping to lawn sprinklers. The business occupied much of his time and thanks to his great efforts and many sacrifices, it remains the family business to this day, managed by his 3 children.

Even after the move to Cary, Ray and Janet traveled back to Indiana several times a year to partake in their "gourmet club". This group of dear friends would take turns making delicious meals based on specific themes they chose. Ray was an excellent cook and the whole family looked forward to his homemade soups and his award winning "Grandpa Ray's" chili. Ray loved movies and music and was proud of his extensive DVD collection. He enjoyed resale and antique shops and was often in search of unique items and great deals. But what Ray loved most of all was attending his grandchildren's many events. Whether it be a show, a play, a dance recital, a high school musical, or a volleyball match, he was often present sporting his characteristically crooked grin.

Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet; his sons Paul (Wendy), and Tom (Christine); his daughter Jean (Pat); and his brother Jim (Irene). He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Brae, Cale, Grayson, Shane, Evynn, Liliana, and Autumn. Ray was preceded in death by his siblings John, Genevieve, Eddie, Jerry, Larry, Maryann and his brothers-in-law David and Darrell.

A visitation will take place Saturday, November 13,
from 2pm to 5pm followed by a celebration of life at
Kahle-Moore Funeral Home
403 Silver Lake Rd, Cary, IL.
Donations in his name would be appreciated to either
Paralyzed Veterans of America or
The Salvation Army.

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