Lyla Elaine (Smith) Onsruth, 98, formerly of White River Jct., VT died Monday, May 25, 2015 at The Pines Rehabilitation and Health Center, Lyndonville, VT.
She was born September 17, 1916 in Windham, VT, daughter of Harold E and Maybelle (Severance) Smith. Lyla attended schools in Windham and Brattleboro, VT. Lyla and Lindell H Onsruth were married on January 1, 1936, moving to Wilder in 1941, eventually to Hartford in 1962 where they lived the rest of their married lives. Lyla worked as a binder for many years at Dartmouth Printing in Hanover, NH.
Lyla remained young at heart well into her later years making national news when she chased an intruder from her home at the age of 90. She was proud of her hooking having made many beautiful rugs for herself and family members - she often joked about being a "hooker." She was a member of the Greater Hartford United Church of Christ where she served on many boards and committees. Lyla was also a volunteer for many years at the Upper Valley Haven. Her memory of poetry was wonderful and her sense of humor kept many laughing for long periods of time. She loved to sing and the words of songs from her childhood and church remained with her. Although her memory faded her sense of humor didn't. She had a very fulfilling life and died as she had wanted to - in her sleep. At 98 years of age, more than most, Susan, Linda and Cedric are grateful they had their mom that long.
Lyla was predeceased by her husband on September 29, 1976 as well as five brothers – Alvin, Carlton, Donald, Howard, and Kenneth; four sisters – Elva, Bernice, Christine, and Judy.
She leaves behind her two daughters, Susan Onsruth Smith and her husband Gordon of Dover, NH; Linda Onsruth Toborg and her husband Alfred of Lyndonville, VT and, son Cedric Onsruth and his wife Zoe of Merrimack, NH; six grandchildren, Stephanie Smith of Florida; Heather Smith of Dover, NH; Katherine Franko of VT, Louise Merrigan of MA; William Toborg of VT and MaryBeth Boe of VT; ten great-grandchildren – Christopher, David, Matthew and Elizabeth Toborg; Anneliese and Arden Merrigan; Kyle Franko; Lili Boe; Robert and Elizabeth Smith; a brother Albert and his wife Maria of Fresno, CA and a sister Norma Dyke of Madison, TN. In addition, Lyla was blessed with an extended Grasbakken family located in Oslo and Ringebu, Norway.
Friends may call at the Knight Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT on Thursday, May 28th. Visiting hours from 10:00 am – 11:00 am followed by the funeral service. A committal service at the Christian Street Cemetery will immediately follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Greater Hartford Congregational Church - 1721 Maple St, Hartford, VT 05047