Margaret DeJaynes

Margaret Louise Wells Layer DeJaynes, 99, of New London, died Sunday, May 16, 2021 at New London Specialty Care.

Margaret was born March 24, 1922 in Springville, Iowa, the daughter of Claude Cheyenne and Hazel Grace Allen Wells.  After graduating high school, she assisted her father in his dental office and also gave piano lessons.  She married Arnold Layer in 1941 and they later divorced.  She then moved to the Mt. Pleasant area and worked at the Princess Café,  Henry County Selective Service, and the Henry County Courthouse and later worked many years at the Mental Health Institute as Executive Secretary to the Administrator.  She also waited tables at the Iris Restaurant.  Music was an important part of her life.  She sang at a dance for the traveling Lawrence Welk band in Cedar Rapids, later receiving a request to audition which she turned down.  She and her sister sang in the Sweet Adeline chorus and then formed a quartet.  Later the “Gala Tones” won a national championship followed by a USO tour.  She met Arnold DeJaynes in the 1970’s and they married on June 13, 1983.  Arnold died April 15, 2017.

Margaret is survived by her son, Ron (Cathryn) Layer of New London; daughters, Terry Fischer of Mt. Pleasant and Hazel Lewis of St. Paul, MN; grandchildren,  great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; step daughter, Denise DeJaynes of New London; and many other beloved DeJaynes relatives.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jean Shook, brother John, and infant sister Dorothy May.

According to her wishes, Margaret has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date, with inurnment in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, rural Mt. Pleasant.  Memorial donations may be made to the music department at the New London Christian Church.  Elliott Chapel, New London is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com