Layne Rylander left this earth on September 29, 2019 from complications of severe chronic pain as a result of a car accident and surgery. She was born on August 5, 1987 to Carole and Dale Rylander in Dallas, Texas. While she lived in Dallas her entire life, she was a citizen of the world - as a Rotary Exchange student to France and traveling to 22 countries. Layne reveled in experiencing different perspectives and cultures and was fluent in French and Spanish. She lived to create connections with everyone she met. Layne attended Lake Highlands High School where she played French horn in the marching band and was on the women's varsity basketball team. She graduated high school in three years to spend a year in France. At Austin College she double majored in Communications/Theater and French with a minor in Global Science, Technology and Society. She was a member of Sigma Phi Chi, Alpha Psi Omega, the theater honors fraternity, as well as Phi Beta Kappa. She graduated Summa Cum Laude. A lifelong Presbyterian, Layne grew up in NorthPark Church participating in many mission trips, camps, conferences and youth group activities. She served the greater Church as an Austin College Activator. Layne was passionate about people, Milo (her dog), theater, travel, the "Friends" TV show, Texas 42, board games - especially Clue, and wearing obviously different socks. She tutored differential equations at UTD and worked in insurance, accounting, business management and hospitality. A charming, brilliant and loving person, Layne's enthusiasm was contagious. She was fun, engaging and made sure anyone around her never had a dull moment. She never met a stranger and created community wherever she was. Layne was a gifted communicator who wrote beautiful and powerful poetry. Regardless of what life threw at her, she was always optimistic. Her strength of character allowed her to remain positive despite two years of chronic pain. Layne is survived by her parents; her siblings, Dean Rylander (and wife Melanie) and Risa Rylander (and husband Mark); grandmothers, Doris Gene Johnson and Betty Rylander; four aunts, uncle and two cousins. A memorial service to celebrate Layne's life will be held on October 5th at 10:00am at NorthPark Presbyterian Church in Dallas. We invite you to bring your favorite story about her to create a book of remembrances. In lieu of flowers, please remember Layne with a donation to the Theatre Department at Austin College, 900 North Grand Avenue, Sherman, Texas 75090 or by going online to www.austincollege.edu/giving.

_____________________________________ A Signature Service under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 10116 E. Northwest Highway Dallas, Texas 75238 214-340-8008