Lyla Johnson

Lyla Janet Johnson was born March 10, 1936, to Clyde and Ella Kelley on the family farm near Pleasanton, Neb.

She graduated from Litchfield  (Neb.) High School in 1953. She attended Kearney State (Neb.) Teacher’s College for two years, earning an elementary education teaching certificate. She taught for five years in one-room rural schools in central Nebraska.

On June 12, 1958, she married Doyle Johnson. They moved to Custer, S.D., in 1960. She worked in retail sales for several years and was a dedicated employee.

Lyla was a wonderful person in so many ways. She loved her Lord and served him faithfully. She taught Sunday School for several years and was an officer in the Gideon’s Auxiliary. She was always sensitive to the needs of others. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Lyla was an excellent cook and served many wonderful holiday family dinners. She had a flair for home decorating and all felt welcome in her home. Lyla loved garage sales and finding a bargain made her day. She also enjoyed tending to her flower garden. She touched many lives and will be very much missed by her family and friends.

Lyla died Dec. 19, 2009, at Rapid City (S.D.) Regional Hospital. She was 73.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Doyle of Custer; three daughters, Melody (Jeff) Hoffman of Valparaiso, Ind., Connie (Mark) Caporin of Ciscero, N.Y., and Teresa (Keith) Schoeneman of Alliance, Neb.; step-son, David (Vicki) Mello of Liverpool, Calif.; seven granddaughters, Ashley, Brittany and Lauren Hoffman, Amanda and Lindsey O’Laughlin and Rachel and Anna Schoeneman; brother, Allen (Sandra) Kelley of Amhearst, Neb.; sister, Anita (Gaylord) Ottun of Sargent, Neb.; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were Dec. 23 at Calvary Baptisit Church in Hot Springs, S.D. Burial followed at the Custer cemetery.

A memorial has been established to benefit the Gideon’s Bible program.

Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.