Lyla M. Gonyon
Dec. 11, 1919 – Dec. 31, 2009
Lyla M. Gonyon, 90, of Holt, Mich. and formerly of Bame Avenue, Niles, died at 3:38 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing following an extended illness.
She was born Dec. 11, 1919 in Shingleton, Mich. to Alex Niemi and Hulda Mannanen Niemi. She graduated from high school in Munising, Mich. and came to Niles from Shingleton in 1954.
She was raised and confirmed in the Lutheran church. She was an avid reader of books, especially historical fiction. Her greatest interest was caring for her family and extended family.
On Dec. 12, 1947, in Munising, Mich., she married Joseph J. Gonyon, who died March 15, 2004.
She is survived by her sons, Rene David Gonyon of Mishawaka and Joseph K. Gonyon of Holt; daughter, Vicki Ann (Joe) Blackman of Buchanan; sister, Alma Klosowski of Chatham, Mich; grandchildren, Kayla E. Gonyon and Derek J. Gonyon; and friend, Valerie Anderson of Holt.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; son, Brian L. Gonyon on Dec. 9, 2003; sisters, Olga Sebastian, Ila Tower and Holda Niemi; and brother, Ernest Niemi.
The family is gathering privately at Halbritter Funeral Home.
Burial will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. There will be no public visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to a library of the donor’s choice.
Niles Daily Star, Published 11:14am Monday, January 4, 2010