Lyla U. Inman

Lyla U. Inman, 88, died at her home in Chugiak on June 13, 2012.

Visitation is from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., June 20, at Valley Church of Christ, 6901 Blue Lupine, Wasilla. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Angelus Memorial Park in Anchorage after the service.

Lyla was born July 7, 1923, in Leedey, Okla. Growing up, she and her family primarily resided in Texas and New Mexico. She attended college in Las Cruces, N.M., and later taught elementary school. In 1943, she married James J. Inman and they had two daughters, Jewel and Lynda. In April 1954, the family moved to Alaska, which she said was the best decision she and her husband ever made. Lyla was active with her church, Valley Church of Christ.

“Lyla was loved by anybody who met her,” her family wrote. “She was one of those rare people in which a quick introduction could lead to a years-long friendship. If you were fortunate enough to know Lyla, then you know how much richer your life had become by having her friendship. She had a magnanimous heart and you could always count on her to lift your spirits. She had two hobbies that she was passionate about: gardening and painting. She excelled in both. She loved being with friends and family. She will be missed by all.”

Surviving are her grandchildren, Jonathan St. Clair of Anchorage; Gloria Widener of Pendleton, Ore., Angela Tucker of Moyie Springs, Idaho, Brenda Root of Anchorage and Jimmy Osborne; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Joshua Widener of Oregon, Justine Lynn Moore of Idaho, Zachary, Aubry and Jadin Tucker of Idaho, Scott Root of Anchorage and Paige Yeager of Wasilla; nephews, Jim Inman of Wasilla and Jody Inman of Anchorage; great-great-grandchildren, Cayden Yeager of Anchorage; Mahri Widener of Oregon and Gavin Yeager, who is scheduled to be born June 25.

Lyla was preceded in death by her husband, James J. Inman; daughters, Lynda Osborne and Jewel Aho; and grandson, Chip Osborne.

The family was taken care of by Legacy Kehl’s Palmer Chapel in Palmer.