Wendy Layton Hildreth

1967 - 2015

Wendy Layton Hildreth
March 4, 1967 - December 28, 2015
Beloved daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and dearest friend, Wendy Layton Hildreth, died unexpectedly on December 28, 2015.
She was born March 4, 1967 to Clair and Joan Layton, a welcomed and exciting addition to their family. From the time she was born, Wendy was spunky and vivacious, as her many family and friends will attest. Her early childhood was spent in Idaho Falls, but most of her growing up years were in Chubbuck, Idaho where she graduated from Highland High School in 1985.
Shortly thereafter, Wendy married Matt Herlitz. Together, the couple had one beautiful daughter, Aileen, who they both adored. As sometimes happens, the marriage did not work out and they divorced. Wendy and her daughter returned to Idaho where they spent the next couple of years.
In time, Wendy met Michael Hildreth. They fell in love, married, and relocated to Hood River, Oregon, an area that Wendy loved dearly. Mike and Wendy enjoyed an active life, and gladly welcomed two more children into their family, Danyella and Christopher. The family spent a lot of time together, skiing, para-sailing, jet-skiing, hiking, etc. Whenever she would visit Idaho, she would tell all about their adventures. She was very proud of her children's accomplishments and loved each of her kids deeply.
Wendy had many talents and interests, including: massage therapy, Jui Jistsu, photography, painting, and especially riding her Harley! She attended massage therapy school, where she graduated in 2001. She owned and operated Gentle Touch Massage in Hood River. She helped many people to heal and have a better quality of life through this gift. Jiu Jitsu became an important outlet for Wendy as well. She studied hard, trained hard, and was a master with her skills, acquiring a blue-belt in Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Tai Kwan Do. She had also earned her level two black belt which will be awarded post-humously. While she had a gentle touch, she was also a force to be reckoned with.
A gifted artist, Wendy spent many hours painting. Her heart and soul can truly be seen when viewing her work. She had the ability to capture the small details that bring a piece of art to life.
Another absolute passion for Wendy, was riding her Harley with the Northwest Iron Maidens. She airbrushed the fuel tank of her bike with a fiery dragon, she was very proud of her bike and her ability to ride so well. She felt deeply for the sisters that she rode with. Their love and support was vital to her.
Wendy is survived by her children, Aileen (Travis) Moore, Danyella Hildreth, and Christopher Hildreth of Hood River, OR; parents Clair and Joan Layton; two sisters, Teresa (Jeff) Denkers, Ronda (Nathan) Hauser; five brothers, Kenneth Layton, Travis (Mitzi) Layton, Floyd (Jen) Layton, Kurt (Nikole) Layton, Don (Rachelle) Layton; and a multitude of nieces, nephew, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
There is a void left in each life that Wendy has touched. Memories of what was will always be cherished, memories of what should have been will be mourned, but mostly, gratitude will be offered for Wendy. Her contributions to this world will not be forgotten, the beautiful ripples she made in the pond will go on without end, as we look forward to the day we see her again.
A memorial service will be held in her honor on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 1pm at the LDS church on the corner of Hawthorne and Chubbuck roads. Family will greet friends at 12:30.