Lyla Drewes

Madison - Lyla Lorayn Miller-Drewes, age 89, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital in Madison. Lyla was born in Wisconsin on May 17, 1924 to the late Franklin and Florence (Stangl) Miller.
She was a Buddy to many - you knew when you talked with her that she was listening and that she could both empathize as well as give you space to uncover your own answers. She was a Buddy to many. Some of us got to call her our Mom. Some of us got to call her our friend. In all cases she was happy to just spend time and provide support and encouragement.
Serving others was a strong suite. Starting way back in the early 60's there was a goal for Tribal recognition by the WI Winnebago, now referred to as the Hocak Nation. She worked alongside many Tribal members and those in the WI Dells area that supported the effort. Community businesses also provided assistance. Roeker's Bakery allowed community members to bake hams in their ovens so that sandwiches could be prepared and sold in the Dells Park to raise money. Everyone came together for a common goal and achieved much as a result.
Later Lyla would drive food and clothes to a Veteran's Home that was in the Stand Rock area. This was the example she gave to her children. Helping others who were less fortunate that we. In those days we were all struggling to get by. That never mattered. We shared and gave what we could. Who knew that the time there would set such a large example? It does today in retrospect.
Lyla was a Veteran of the Korean Conflict. She was a Military Policewoman in a time that women "just did not do those things." Mom was cool. We came along for the ride. And it was a ride.
Later in her "retirement" she starting volunteering in various Veteran Service capacities. She was a volunteer for the Madison Military Firing Squad and ministered to people who were hurting at funerals across the Madison area. She went on to become a Commissioner for the Dane County Service Commission. She served in leadership roles as President for both the United Women Veteran's and also the Treasurer for Madison Veteran's Council. Additionally she was instrumental in getting the AMVETS Post 151 started. She was a life member of American Legion Post 501 in Madison.
When she was 80 she received The Commendation from the State of Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs. We were proud and very happy for her that night - all were glad to be connected in celebration. She also got a citation from the Wisconsin State Assembly in recognition of 20 years of service to the veteran's community.
Lyla was a longtime resident of Madison. She loved this area of the State and was happy to be in this community. She leaves a great legacy of family and friends. Her children include Sharon Zblewski (Richard), Beverly Coomer (David), Stewart J. Miller (Janice), Davidjohn A. White Eagle (Marie), Wendy K. White Eagle (Anthony Beyer) and stepdaughter Margaret Prochniak (Thomas). Her Sister Mary Ann Jensen and Brothers Robert (Bobby), Franklin (Sonny), Wayne, LeRoy, and Gerald (Jerry) Miller all survive her as well. She also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Lyla had many loves in her life. The way is being forged for her as she passes to her next assignment. When you love someone you will see the face of God. We saw it in her and know she saw it is us. Thankfully.
With the deepest respect and the deepest love we say goodbye to our friend, our Mother, our Buddy.
Visitation for Lyla will take place on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Cress Funeral Home (3610 Speedway Rd, Madison, WI) from 4-7pm. The Funeral Service will take place Friday, May 2 at 10:30am at the Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Amstutz presiding, followed by burial with full Military Honors at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital Hospice Palliative Care Unit in Lyla's name.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at the Madison VA Hospital for their compassionate care of Lyla.