Kathy Ann Layher, Age 57, passed away at Highland Assisted Living and Memory Care on June 13, 2022. Kathy was born in Jackson, Michigan to Frank and Nellie Layher on March 10, 1965. She graduated from Lumen Christi Catholic High School in 1983; then attending Michigan State University, where she was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and received a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Management in 1987. She then worked in Lansing for Senate Majority Leader, Dick Posthumus, as a legislative assistant, and for Associated Builders & Contractors of Michigan.
In 1991, she married George T. Perrett (later divorced), and resided in Battle Creek, Michigan where they had two children, Morgan and Taylor. For 12 years, Kathy worked at the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce as its VP of Business Growth and Advocacy; while there, Kathy was recognized with a 40 Under 40 Award, acknowledging her organizational leadership skills and active civic involvements. Kathy served for 12 years as the CEO of the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors and later as the President of the Michigan Association of Realtors Executive’s Council. Kathy also served in many local organizations, including as president of the Junior League of Battle Creek, Junior Achievement, and as a volunteer with the HOST program.
Kathy will be remembered for her infectious smile, distinct laugh, and her zest for life. She loved attending local sporting events and going to Full Blast with her children. She attended many rock concerts with close friends. She enjoyed traveling with her family, cooking, grilling in the summertime, and going for evening walks with her beloved dachshund of 15 years, Cody. And we cannot forget her loyalty to the Green and White – the Spartans – attending a game each year with old college friends. Kathy lived her life to the fullest. She was a loving and caring mother, daughter, sister, and friend. We will miss her terribly, but we are relieved that she is no longer suffering and reunited with her mom, Nellie.
Kathy is survived by her children, Morgan (Cody) Newlun and Taylor Perrett, her father, Frank Layher, her sister, Linda Gordon, and nephews, Austin (Monica) McCann and Trevor McCann. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nellie Layher. Special thank you to Kathy’s cousin, Lisa Moser, her aunt, JoAnn Atkins, and to her close friend, Bea Drlicka, for their attention and love. We would also like to thank the entire staff of Highland Assisted Living and Memory Care in Jackson, Michigan, and SouthernCare Hospice in Jackson, Michigan for their extraordinary care and compassion.
Donations in Kathy’s memory may be made to Highland Assisted Living and Memory Care, 1948 Cooper Street, Jackson, Michigan 49202. Services and private burial have concluded. Arrangements made by Watson Funeral Chapel in 2590 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, Michigan 49203.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Kathy Ann Layher, please visit our floral store.