Ottilie Kruger Rescher Laybourne

An actress who appeared on Broadway in the 1940s and 50s, died of pancreatic cancer in Los Angeles on May 12. She was the only child of film star Otto Kruger and actress Sue MacManamy. Laybourne was active with the Nine O'Clock Players Theatre for Children, a service auxiliary of Assistance League of Southern California dedicated to bringing live theater to underprivileged and handicapped children and their families. She had been active in the organization since the early 1970s and over the years held several executive positions, including chairman.

Born in New York on Nov. 20, 1926, she followed in her parents' footsteps to the stage, making her Broadway debut in "I Remember Mama" with the young Marlon Brando. Her first leading role was in "A Joy Forever" with Guy Kibbee, followed by "The Pursuit of Happi-ness" with Freddie Bartholomew. She also starred twice with her father, in "Little A" and "Time for Elizabeth." She lived in Greenwich during most of the 1960s into the early 1970s.

She was first married to Gayne Rescher and they had Three children Gaye, Darlene (Deedee) and Debbie (DJ)

Gayne and Ottilie divorced in 1980 and Ottilie met and fell in love with Everett Laybourne. They were married for over 30 years until her death in 2005.