75, formerly of 953 Florence Ave. and most recently a resident of The Kensington, died at 9:07 p.m. Sunday, September 2, 2012 in Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
Verla Lee Rylander was born March 9, 1937 in Galesburg the daughter of Robert and Velma Lee Rylander. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1955 and married Lyle Miles October 9, 1955.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Barbara Lincoln; and a brother, Billy Rylander.
She is survived by her four children, Roger (and Linda) Miles of Wataga, Ill., Cathy (and Jack) Smith, Wayne (and Angie) Miles, and Karen (and Bruce) Crawford, all of Galesburg; five granddaughters; a grandson; and two great grandsons.
Verla was artistic and industrious. She worked as an interior decorator for Pittsburgh Paints and Sherwin-Williams and later as a sales representative for Wagoner Printing in Galesburg. She loved to garden and lived in Bishop Hill for several years where she owned a small herb and flower business, Carlsdotters Herbs and Everlastings. Her beloved basset hound, Nutmeg made national news, sauntering down Bishop Hill’s Main Street in a CNN special about the Swedish community. Verla ended her working career as a marketing specialist for KCCDD in Galesburg, retiring in 2005.
She was a life-long member of First Lutheran Church and was an active member of the Luther League during her school years.
Verla loved to read, fish, garden and work with the soil. She loved to talk politics, collect antiques, and watch Green Bay Packers football. She enjoyed a good margarita now and then, loved all things Swedish, and her favorite part of the day was her first cup of coffee in the early morning hours on her deck, overlooking her gardens.
Cremation will be accorded with private family burial later in Memorial Park Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Verla’s life Friday, September 7, 2012 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Garden Room at The Kensington, 311 E. Simmons St. in Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Guardian Angels Humane Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
View Full Information → Mrs. Verla L. Hunter, Galesburg Chapel