Betty Jane Hird

Racine – Betty Jane (Laycock) Hird, 86, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012 at the Becker-Shoop Center. She was born in Iron River, Michigan on September 15, 1926, daughter of the late George and Bernice (nee: Kass) Sablich. Betty grew up in Iron River, MI., however was a Racine resident for most of her adult life.

At age 17 Betty worked at the Jack O Lantern Soda Fountain with her good friend Mary Sarder. She later traveled by train to Chicago to pursue work for Attorney Cooper and Dr. Van Dylan. After World War II ended, she met and married Clifford C. Laycock and moved to Racine. Betty was an exceptional homemaker and an extraordinary cook, who took great pride in providing a happy home for her husband and children. She loved family gatherings, also enjoyed music, classic movies and fine wine. Betty was a faithful woman whose compassion for others, led her to support many charitable organizations.

Betty is survived by her children, David (Sharon Laycock, Jennifer (Wolfgang) Wagener, Clifford A. Laycock, Jackie (Willie) Lee, Susan Britson, Rosemary Ormond, and Charles Laycock all of Racine; 25 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Donna Culver; Brenda Beckman; her brother, George Sablich; a dear friend, Gordon Johnson Jr. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Clifford C. Laycock in 1981; and Charles Hird in 1999; her son, Kenneth Laycock; son-in-law, Maury Roushia; Great granddaughter, Mercedes Harris; sister, Carol Sablich; brothers, Jack Sablich; Milton Sablich; and Robert Sablich.

Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 with Pastor John Bodnar officiating. Interment will follow at Mound cemetery. All are invited to visit with the family Wednesday morning beginning at 10 a.m. Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association have been suggested.

To Stephanie, Marion, and Terrie we offer our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the care bestowed to our mother when we all needed you the most. May God bless you always.