Lyla Frances Blevins, age 89, of Gandy passed away February 11, 2020 at the Belmont Village Senior Living Community in Carol Stream, IL near Chicago.
She was born on October 3, 1930 in Logan County to Floyd and Mabel (Dickerson) Fowler.
Lyla graduated from Gandy High School in 1947. She had a love of horses and was crowned Burwell Rodeo Queen. On December 8, 1950 she married Donald Allen Blevins at the Presbyterian Church in Stapleton. She taught school in a one room schoolhouse northeast of Gandy. She and Don purchased a farm near Gandy in 1953 which became the Lazy DL Ranch, that the two owned and operated.
Lyla was a member of the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church and taught Sunday School for over 60 years, served as an elder in the church, and was a member of the Mariners. She was very involved in 4-H when the kids were young and enjoyed bowling on leagues in Stapleton. She was supportive of her children’s activities and was very creative, enjoying crafts and puzzles and was a Nebraska football fan. Lyla will always be remembered for her dedication to her community, her church, and her family.
Survivors include her children, Donald (Debbie) Blevins of Norfolk, Dennis (LaVonne) Blevins of Woodland Park, CO, and Linda (Adair) Smith of West Chicago, IL; grandchildren Brooke (Todd) Hartbecke of Sioux Center, IA, Traci (Trevor) Summeril of Woodland Park, CO, Melissa Blevins of Kansas City, MO, Stephen (Kinisha) Blevins of Woodland Park, CO, Angela (Chase) Rogers of St. Charles, IL, Michael (Chantella) Blevins of Colorado Springs, CO, Aaron Smith of Cleveland, OH, and Adam Smith of West Chicago, IL, 18 great grandchildren; sister, Joyce Schaeffer of Stapleton; numerous other family members; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Don; 9 brothers and sisters; nephews, David Blevins and Dale Miles; and nieces, Ruth Beckius and Esther Fowler.
Don and Lyla have supported missions faithfully over the years, especially through their granddaughter Melissa (Missy) Blevins who continues to serve full time with OneEleven Global. OneEleven Global is a non-profit missions organization that trains, disciples, and sends missionaries throughout five continents. The organization partners with the local church, serves with them, and equips them in prayer and missions to send out laborers who go forth with the good news of Christ. In lieu of flowers memorial checks may be made to One Eleven Global.
Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral Services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Stapleton with Pastor Eric Mockiatis officiating. Burial will follow at Loup Valley Cemetery near Stapleton. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.