1930 ~ Mrs. Lyla Grace Stone ~ 2021 "Lyla spent many hours over the years knitting, crocheting and sewing, as well as many other crafts – made for her children, grandchildren and family in Manitoba, as well as to support charity organizations".

Mrs. Lyla Grace Stone passed away peacefully, at the Drumheller Health Centre, Drumheller, Alberta, on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the age of 91 years. Lyla was born on February 1, 1930 in Dominion City, Manitoba to William and Grace (nee Jamieson) Hancox. She was the second of seven children, and was raised on the family farm, on the edge of Dominion City. After completing High School, Lyla moved to Winnipeg to study Nursing at the Winnipeg General Hospital. 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 year, while working at the hospital. They were married on June 30, 1954 in Dominion City. They first lived in Stettler; where she worked at a nursing home, until Fred’s work took them back to Drumheller; where she once again worked at the Drumheller General Hospital. Fred and Lyla moved to many places including Michichi, Edberg, and Alsask, Saskatchewan and finally back to Drumheller in 1984, where she has lived since. Together, they proudly raised three children, Larry born in 1957, Randy born in 1960, and Bonnie born in 1964. After her first son, Larry was born, Lyla stayed home to raise the children. Lyla and Fred enjoyed forty-six years of marriage together, prior to Fred’s passing. Lyla was an active member 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 joy’s was spending quality time with the elderly; home visits, tea parties, providing meals, playing cards and numerous other acts of kindness. Her hands were never idle! Lyla spent many hours over the years knitting, crocheting and sewing, as well as many other crafts – made for her children, grandchildren and family in Manitoba, as well as to support charity organizations. The smell of fresh baking often drew many to the family home. Many meals were cooked for seniors, shut-ins and others that were less fortunate. Lyla was an avid gardener; she enjoyed growing vegetables and tending to her flower gardens. She took great pride in clipping sweet peas from her garden, and taking them to friends and those in hospital. Her greatest joy was spending time with her seven dear grandchildren. These grandchildren have special memories drinking tea with Grandma Bear, and enjoying the cinnamon buns that they made together. We all have great memories of Lyla being the center of many family gatherings at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas over many years. In the later years, she was active with her many friends in activity groups including the Nurses Group, Walking Club, Aquacize, Ladies Hospital Auxiliary and volunteering for Meals on Wheels at the Sunshine Lodge. Lyla will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her son, Larry Stone and his children, Jeffrey and Amanda (Richard); her daughter-in-law, Valerie 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 her brother, Clifford Hancox (Trudy), her niece, Margaret Sim; as well as numerous other nephews, nieces and families. Lyla was predeceased by her husband, Fred in 2001, her parents, William and Grace Hancox, a son, Randy in 2021, her brothers, Ralph, Wallace, Lorne and Glenn Hancox, and a sister-in-law, Denise. A Funeral Service was held at Knox United Church, 195 – 3 Avenue E., Drumheller, Alberta on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. For those who were unable to attend, the Funeral Service was live streamed and will be available to watch at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, if desired, Memorial Donations in Lyla’s honor may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta and NWT at www.heartandstroke.ca or to the Knox United Church, 195 – 3 Avenue E., Box 583, Drumheller, Alberta, Alberta T0J 0Y0.