Lyla M. Reed, 93, of Paxton passed away on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Country Healthcare in Gifford. She was born on May 30, 1932, a daughter of Ervin and Verna Lucille (Weber) Hoover.
Lyla married Russell Reed on July 28, 1950 in Roberts and he survives in Paxton. She took great pride in being married for 75 years.
Also surviving are her four children, Wayne (Bonnie) Reed of Russellville, Indiana, Darlene Merkle of Paxton, James (Shirley) Reed of Boulder City, Nevada, and Robert (Amy) Reed of Onarga; eleven grandchildren, Tina Lawson, Eric Eilts, Nathan Reed, Karee Voges, Kim Eilts, Seth Reed, Cole Reed, Ty Reed, Matt Reed, John Reed, and Adam Reed; 19 great-grandchildren; four siblings, Wanda (David) Caldwell of Marietta, Georgia, Gail (James) Snow of Bloomington, Pastor Bob Hoover of Decatur, and Sharon Lee of Onarga.
Lyla was preceded in death by both of her parents; her in-laws, James Reed and Gladys Lovett; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Floyd and Dolores Hoover and Marvin and Marilyn Hoover; one sister and brother-in-law, Ervaleen and Forrest Smith; one brother-in-law, Jim Lee; one sister-in-law, Darlene Hoover; and one grandson, Aaron Reed.
Lyla was a member of Living Word Church in Roberts, where she loved helping out in many ways. Lyla had a strong faith and a great love for Christ. Lyla was especially proud of her family and loved being a mother and grandmother.
Visitation will be at Living Word Church in Roberts at 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at noon on Saturday, August 30, 2025 with Pastor Doug Lee officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgeland Township Cemetery.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.
Memorials may be made to the Living Word Church in Roberts or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
