STONE
Lyla Grace
February 1, 1930 - December 15, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Lyla Grace Stone in Long Term Care at the Drumheller Health Centre on December 15, 2021, at the age of 91 years.
Lyla (Mom) was born on February 1, 1930, in Dominion City, Manitoba to William and Grace (Jamieson) Hancox. She was the second of seven children and was raised on the family farm just on the edge of Dominion City. After completing high school, Lyla moved to Winnipeg to study nursing at Winnipeg General Hospital where she received her nursing diploma in 1953. After graduation, Lyla and Emily Campbell left Manitoba and came to Drumheller with Irene Andrews to work at the Drumheller General Hospital. She met Fred Stone later that same year while working at the hospital and they were later married on June 30th, 1954, in Dominion City. They first lived in Stettler, where she worked at a nursing home, and then Fred’s work took them to Drumheller where she worked again at the Drumheller General hospital. This was followed by moves to Michichi, Edberg, Alsask, Saskatchewan and finally back to Drumheller where she has lived since 1984. Fred and Lyla proudly raised three children (Larry born in 1957, Randy in 1960 and Bonnie in 1964). Soon after Larry was born, Lyla stayed home to raise their children. Lyla and Fred enjoyed 46 years of marriage prior to Fred’s passing.
Lyla was very active in the United Church everywhere she lived, teaching Sunday School and regularly attending church services. She was a member of the UCW since 1962, participating in Bible study and other activities in the church. In her younger years, one of Lyla’s special joys was spending quality time with the elderly – home visits, tea parties, providing meals, playing cards and numerous other acts of kindness.
Lyla’s hands were never idle! She spent many hours over the years knitting, crocheting, sewing as well as many other crafts – made for her children, grandchildren, family in Manitoba, as well as supporting charity organizations. The smell of fresh baking often drew many to the family home. Many meals were cooked for seniors, shut-ins, and others less fortunate. Lyla was an avid gardener, growing vegetables and tending flower gardens. She took great pride in clipping sweat peas from her garden and taking them to friends, shut-ins and those in hospital.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her 7 dear grandchildren. The grandchildren have special memories drinking tea with Grandma Bear and enjoying the cinnamon buns they made together! We all have great memories of Mom being the center of many family gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas over many years.
In later years, she was active with her many friends and activity groups including the Nurses Group, Walking Club, Aquacise, Ladies Hospital Auxiliary and volunteering for Meals on Wheels and at the Sunshine Lodge.
Lyla is lovingly remembered and will be forever missed by her son, Larry Stone and his children, Jeffrey and Amanda (Richard); her daughter-in-law, Valérie Stone and her children Alicia and Jeremy; her daughter Bonnie Molzan (Allan) and their children, Chad (Bradie), Justin (Karlene) and Travis (Jordyn); her sister Lavina Pickell (Earl) and brother Clifford Hancox (Trudy), and her niece, Margaret Sim; as well as numerous other nephews, nieces and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband Fred in 2001, her parents William and Grace Hancox, her son Randy in 2021, her brothers, Ralph, Wallace, Lorne and Glenn Hancox and her sister-in-law Denise.
In lieu of flowers and if you wish, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give) or donations can be made to Knox United Church. Cheques can be made to “Knox United Church” located at 195 3rd Ave, Box 583, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0 or e-transfer to email: ucknox.secretary@gmail.com.
Funeral Service will take place at Knox United Church in Drumheller, Alberta on Wednesday, December 22 at 1:30 pm. Proof of vaccination will be required to attend. Service will also be streamed online at
parklandfuneralhome.com.
