Elaine "Layne" Kay Wallace

Elaine “Layne” Kay Wallace passed peacefully surrounded by her daughter, son-in-law, and cousin on Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, at the age of 76. Layne was born on July 14, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Raymond and Shirley Churchman, nee Bohler. Layne moved to Colorado at the age of two with her family and never looked back to her Midwestern roots despite family teasing. She remained a woman of the West through and through. Her family moved to Fort Collins in the 1950s, and despite brief residencies in Denver and California, Layne grew up in Fort Collins with her brother, Michael, and sister, Lorrie. Layne became a financial advisor in her 40s and was incredibly proud of earning her licensures. Although she often failed to recognize what we all saw, Layne was strong, persistent, and intelligent. Layne was known for her strong faith, generosity, and warm conversations, becoming a soft place to land for family and friends. Her gentleness was uniquely paired with fierce loyalty, quick wit, love of action and science fiction films, and reading (especially prehistoric fiction and war and espionage novels). One of her favorite stories about herself was that when pregnant and visiting the obstetrician, the other mothers were reading “What to Expect” books, but she pulled out “Dogs of War.” Despite insisting that she didn’t want children, Layne fully embraced parenting her only child, Alexandra, who became her pride and joy. She sacrificed much to ensure that her daughter was loved, protected, and encouraged. Although she failed to see how spectacular she was as a parent, her daughter never failed to brag about her beloved Mama and their amazingly close bond. Their relationship evolved into adulthood with Alexandra calling her mother her best friend, confidant, and “twin.” They shared everything from Saturday shopping trips to gardening to watching old movies to listening to crime podcasts. Likewise, Layne insisted she wasn’t anxious for grandchildren, but when her red-haired granddaughter was born, she was quick to love and spoil her as she had her own daughter. Growing up Layne was teased for her auburn hair but eventually learned to love it and was relieved to see Ashton embraced for hers. Ashton loved her Grand with all her heart, and the two shared a close bond in their two years together. Layne is preceded in death by her brother, Michael; adopted father, Richard Ruiz; and mother, Shirley. Layne is survived by her daughter, Alexandra (Jeff Nepute); granddaughter, Ashton; sister, Lorrie; niece, Lenelle; and cousin, Faith (Jeff). In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to W.O.L.F. Sanctuary, Wild Animal Sanctuary of Keenesburg, CO, Rocky Mountain Raptor, or a similar organization of your choosing in Layne’s memory. A special thank you to the nursing staff at Medical Center of the Rockies and Pathways who went out of their way to ensure Layne’s final days were peaceful and her family comforted.