On November 7, 2018 our Nana, Colleen Layton, became our Guardian Angel. Though we may have lost her hugs, we still feel her love holding us tightly from Heaven.

Nana was born on October 6, 1955 in Phoenix, Arizona, to our Great-Grammy Margaret Falbo, and our Great-Grandpa Richard Sanetra. She was a true Arizona girl, and could tell us stories about apple picking in Oak Creek, eating cowboy breakfasts in the desert, and working for the Calcot Cotton Company in Phoenix. She even met the love of her life, our Papa, Jeff Layton, while he was a serviceman stationed at Luke Airforce Base. After spending some time traveling during their early married life, Nana and Papa finally settled in Flagstaff, Arizona, and lived there together for 33 years.

Our Nana lived her life with wonder and beauty, with imagination and love. As a mother, she gave everything for her children. She was the kind of mom who would be your Girl Scout Troop Leader, pick you up from after-school sports, and show up at the local pub when your band had a bar gig. Later in life, she was the very best kind of grandma—one who could build a Lego empire, plan a wild treasure hunt, enjoy a "feast" of mud pies and goldfish crackers, and draw the best cars, puppies, oceans, and shooting stars in the history of forever.

Nana was also a fantastic artist, who viewed the universe through sophisticated, mysterious and sometimes enigmatic eyes. After years of pursuing her degree in art, Nana taught us that you can truly be anything you want. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern Arizona University in 2005. She was also an active member of the Artists' Coalition of Flagstaff, and held many art events throughout Northern Arizona. When we look at her paintings, we see her soul, and wish we'd had more time to understand all that she was.

Above all, our Nana loved her family, and taught us that family was the greatest gift God could ever give. Even when her illness had weakened her body, we could always go to her for advice, love, and laughter. When asked what mattered to her the most, Nana always had the same answer: "My family—my husband, my children, and the grandchildren who are my legacy."

Here on Earth, our Nana leaves behind our Papa, her husband of 45 years; her five children: Jacquie (John) McGregor, Jeff (Tracy) Layton, Jamie (Chris) Pulley, Joy (Nick) Groenig, and Julianne (Connor Clark) Layton; her 13 grandchildren: Jeff, Logan, Joey, Josh, Jackson, Jameson, Jacob, Mason, Cody, Abby, Jeremiah, Parker, and Cameron; our Great-Grammy and Great-Grandpa; and her 5 younger siblings, whom she loved as if they were her own children: Debi, Rick, Penny, Meg, and Jim; and many members of her extended family. Nana was met in Heaven by her grandmothers and grandfathers, and the sweet grandchild she lost.

On Saturday, December 8 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., we will be celebrating our Nana's life the way she lived it, with family, friends, and faith; with art, music, and food…and with love. We will meet at her beautiful home in Flagstaff—the place she was most happy. To celebrate with us, please contact Jacquie at jacquiemc19@mac.com .