Lyla Connor

Lyla Marie Connor, 83, lifelong Webster resident died March 1, 2017. Lyla was born on August 15, 1933. She was the oldest child born to Harold Gardner and Rilla (Grushus) Gardner/Corner. Lyla married her husband, Russell L. Connor on August 28, 1948. She was his “Bugsy”, his fishing companion and dancing partner for 62 years. To this union two children were born, Paul and JoAnn. Lyla and Russell operated the Connor’s Service Station and produced Connor’s Wild Rice alongside their family for over 60 years. Lyla spent many happy days amongst nature. She and Russell never missed a still evening on a quite lake or a sunny afternoon bent over the blueberry bushes. They could often be found enjoying a ride around Crex Meadows in their jeep or sitting down for a picnic on the banks of the St. Croix River. Lyla took pride in her gardens and hanging flower baskets. She was endlessly planning, planting, weeding, picking and canning. She used what she harvested to make many outstanding meals and had plenty left to share with others. Above all else, Lyla loved caring for her family. She was endlessly proud of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the heart behind countless holiday dinners and deer season breakfasts. She loved all little children and will be dearly missed by many. She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell; parents, Harold and Rilla; brothers, Merle and Gordon. Lyla is survived by her sister, Carol Ann Pennefeather; children, Paul (Dianne) Connor and JoAnn (Edward) Zaspel; grandchildren: Melanie (Dan) Johnson, Joe (Emily) Connor, Rusty (Kirstin) Zaspel, Jill (Nick) Weber and Kelly (Stephen) Saporito; nine great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and many other family and friends. Funeral Service will be held at the Grace United Methodist Church in Webster on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 11:00am (visitation from 10 – 11:00 am) with Pastor Tom Cook officiating. Interment will be at the Orange Cemetery in Webster. Casket Bearers are: Melanie Johnson, Joe Connor, Rusty Zaspel, Jill Weber and Kelly Saporito. The family would like to express their gratitude and recognition to Countryside Acres Assisted Living for providing Lyla with a true home in the last years of her life. Their care, thoughtfulness and patience gave Lyla’s life dignity and our family piece of mind. Thank you. Arrangements were entrusted to Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home in Webster. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com