Layne Farrell Blatter, 81, of Payson, Utah, peacefully passed away on May 20, 2021. He was born in Havre, Montana on Oct 2, 1939 to Gottlieb and Lorene Maddox Blatter. His childhood was spent on the farm in Montana, after which the family moved to St. George and then Centerville, Utah, where he graduated from Bountiful High School. As a young man he served a mission to Germany and returned to attend and graduate from BYU. He married the love of his life Lanea Marlowe in the Salt Lake Temple in 1963. They settled on a small farm in West Mountain, near Payson, Utah where they raised their family and he pursued a career in teaching. He was a life-long, faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served there in many capacities throughout his life. He loved working with young people, especially those who needed a friend. He served in bishoprics, as a bishop, on the high council and as a temple worker and in many other positions, yet his most influential and loved calling was that of husband, father and grandfather. After retiring in 1999, he and his wife were called on three LDS missions and served together in Charlotte, North Carolina, Austria and Slovakia, and at the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in the Manchester, New Hampshire Mission. As his body declined, he continued engaging in family history work and spending time with his family. He is a beloved patriarch, remembered for his faith, love and unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ and His restored Church.
He was preceded in death by daughter (Kenya), son (Nathan), grandson (Zachary), son-in-law (Jay), parents and 14 siblings. He is survived by his wife (Lanea) and children: Tresa Heaton (Jon) Mapleton, UT, Heidi Conrad (Byron) Lindon, UT, Kett Blatter (Crystal) Mesa, AZ, Seth Blatter (Jessica) Midway, UT, Celeste Penick Provo, UT, Ian Blatter (Julia) Genola, UT, 41 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and 4 siblings.
We are grateful for the outpouring of love to our family and express appreciation to many caretakers who have assisted Layne in his later years. Services will be held on Friday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing prior from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the West Mountain Church located at 5237 W 10400 S, Payson, Utah. Interment will be in the Payson City Cemetery immediately following the services.
12 Condolences for Layne Farrell Blatter
Condolences(12)
Patrick White says
May 24, 2021 at 2:11 amSo sad to hear. Mr Blatter was such an amazing teacher and friend to student in Payson. I was an exchange student with him and went to Germany the year after the wall came down in Germany. He loved the German people and the opportunity to teach students of Payson to them. He will be missed for sure. Prayers to Seth and your entire family.
Travis Roper says
May 25, 2021 at 5:18 amThoughts and prayers going out to the countless family, friends and loved ones who mourn his passing. He was one of my favorite teachers in junior high. Earth science. Made class really fun and interesting. I also had the honor and pleasure of attending Payson West Mountain ward with the Blatter family. I went to school for a lot of years with Seth. Always admired that he seemed so popular and likable, but was still so humble and good to everyone. I pray for the Spirit to comfort all of you and help you through this difficult time. I have no doubt he is there waiting to embrace you once again.
🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
Richard & Cheryl Lee says
May 27, 2021 at 12:08 amYou have left your handprints on the hearts of many. Rest in His loving arms
Karen Peterson says
May 25, 2021 at 3:21 pmIan,
We are saddened by your loss and want you to know you are in are thoughts and prayers. We pray that you will be guided by the spirit to find peace and comport at this time. Always cherish your fond memories and continue to follow the example that was placed before you. Love Megan, Karen and family.
Michael Oberg says
May 25, 2021 at 8:20 pmMr. Blatter was one of those very rare educators who was able to see his students as equals.
He knew that he had opportunities above teaching curriculum and really invested time and sincere concern to those who needed it.
I was one of those students for a few years a long time ago.
And today I can’t recall much German but I will never forget the example of Mr. Blatter and how he went out if his way to help a struggling student see his worth and potential.
Teachers like him are one in a million…
Dustin Ray says
May 26, 2021 at 3:52 amSo sorry to hear of his passing. He was a great teacher, church leader, and neighbor. I hope this great family can find some consolation in his life well lived.
Jayne (Jorgensen) Bingham says
May 27, 2021 at 5:49 amHerr Blatter was one of my all-time favorite teachers. He always had a twinkle in his eye when he talked about anything German. I enjoyed hearing about his experiences in Germany and could feel his love for the German people as he spoke of them. His passion for teaching and love of German inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I became a German teacher, and I credit much of my success to him. In fact, I still have my notebook from his class 35 years ago and have used his ideas in my own classroom. My German students over the years have heard a lot about the legendary Herr Blatter. He was a master teacher and a good man, who had a tremendous impact in my life. I send heartfelt wishes to the family during this difficult time. May God bless you with comfort, peace, and many fond memories.
Catherine Bristow says
May 27, 2021 at 8:12 pmMr. Blatter was my biology teacher so many years ago. He had such a kind personality, and he held the respect of all his students. May he rest well in the company of his children and family.
Jerry Chatwin says
May 28, 2021 at 9:27 amIt was my great blessing to serve with Layne on my mission in Germany in 1961. He was a great missionary, friend, and mentor. Later we taught school in Payson where he again served as an example to me. I will miss you, Layne, but I will likely see you very soon.
Richard Clark says
June 7, 2021 at 4:50 pmDear Lanea:
Yesterday I learned of Layne’s passing while having lunch at Joel and Carolyn Cowan’s home, in our neighborhood in Midway. I am sad, yet I have so much love and respect for Layne. He was a fantastic person and a great missionary. He was a leader among all of us. I remember well when you and he were dating at BYU. You were only 18, but old enough to fall in love with Layne, and he loved you!. My sweet Penny is in a care home in Salt Lake, suffering from this illness called old age. I send you and your family my love. Richard Clark
Chris Toronto says
October 22, 2021 at 5:55 amDear Brother Richard Clark,
I remember seeing you I believe giving a talk on BYUtv in their Church services broadcast quite a few years ago. Which rest home is your wife in? After11 years in Ohio we are now living in South Jordan just below the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. Thank you again for your example during our missionary service in Germany. Our thoughts be with you, Chris
Chris Toronto says
October 22, 2021 at 4:59 amDear Lanea,
Just read of Layne,s passing into the next realm in the BYU Magazine. I remember him so well from the our missions in Germany. Loved the pictures from his mission with familiar faces of Elders and companions. He was and is a dedicated faithful example. May the love and blessings of Heaven continue with you, Chris Toronto
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