Lois A. Tyahla, age 78, of Bloomsburg, died on Friday afternoon, November 15, 2013 at her home of 32 years surrounded by her children, and under the care of Columbia Montour Home Hospice.
Lois was born on Thursday, August 15, 1935 in Nuremburg, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Karl and May (Fisher) Rhodes. In 1953, Lois completed her high school education after graduating from the Summit Hill High School in Carbon County. She furthered her education following graduation by attending a Comptometer School in Philadelphia. On November 6, 1954, Lois married her loving husband, Thomas Tyahla. Throughout her earlier life, she was employed by the Reading Railroad for four years as a Payroll Clerk. Most recently, she assisted her husband as the owner and operator of the Midas Muffler in Bloomsburg for over 20 years until retiring in the year of 2000. She and her husband were faithful members of the St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Bloomsburg, and served on the Church Council as well as assisting with the wonderful funeral luncheons. Lois had a wonderful talent for sewing and quilting, and will always be remember as the 'silent leader' of the St. Matthew's Love Knotter women's quilting group. Lois also had a hidden talent of gardening which she greatly enjoyed.
On February 17, 2012, Lois was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, the late Thomas Tyahla. She was also preceded by a brother, Thomas Rhodes.
Survivors include three children: Ronald T. Tyahla and wife, Cheryl, of Quakertown; Kathryn L. Tyahla of Hollywood, FL; and Mark A. Tyahla and wife, Marcia, of South Lyon, MI; four grandchildren: Ronnie, Eric, Nathan and Sonya Tyahla; three great-grandchildren: Austin, Taylor and Gracie Tyahla; and four siblings: Dorothy Faenza of Summit Hill; Jean Bargilone of Englewood, FL; Paul Rhodes and wife, Marge, of Yalaha, FL; and Linda Serina and husband, Michael, of Tamaqua.
A time of Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, November 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Street, Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will begin on Friday, November 22 at 11 a.m. at the St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 123 N. Market Street, Bloomsburg with Rev. Dr. Joel L. Zeiders, officiating. Friends will also be received at the church on Friday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Graveside services will be held immediately following the luncheon in the church at the Sky-View Memorial Park in Hometown, Pennsylvania. Memorial contributions in Lois' name are suggested to: St. Matthew's Love Knotters, 123 N. Market St., Bloomsburg.