Shirley Kyllonen

Shirley L. Kyllonen, age 74, resident of Lakota, ND, formerly of Brocket, ND, died Monday, October 20, 2014 at the Good Samaritan Society of Lakota following a long illness.

Shirley Lou Ryba was born October 21, 1939 near Lankin, ND, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Kasal) Ryba. She attended school in Whitman and graduated from Michigan High School in 1958. Shirley married Alan W. Kyllonen on October 10, 1958. They farmed together in the Brocket area until 1984. They remained on the farm where they had lived for over fifty years. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2008. Alan died January 1, 2009. Shirley painted and cleaned homes for others, she also worked at the nursing home in Lakota and the SunLac Inn. Due to her illness she spent time enjoying her garden, flowers, and lawn mowing at home.

Shirley is survived by 4 children, Renae Flood of San Antonio, TX and her children Brandon & Jordon; Bryan (Beth) Kyllonen of Wichita, KS and his children Christian & Alyssa; Lonnie (Lynn) Kyllonen of West Fargo, ND and his children Brenna & Heather; Alan B. Kyllonen and his friend Lisa, and special daughter, Kassie; great-grandma's pride & joy, Madison of Fargo; brother, Duane (Delores) Ryba of Devils Lake, ND; sister, Margaret Haave of Edinburg, ND; and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alan W. Kyllonen; son, Lennie Scott Kyllonen; 3 sisters, Carol Helle, Emma Pic, and Lillian Rysavy; and brother, Melvin Ryba.

Shirley's Funeral Service will be held at United Lutheran Church of Brocket, ND, on Monday, October 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Russell Pollock. The organist will be Margaret Swanson and the soloist will be Sharon Bleckestad. Interment will be in the Enterprise Cemetery, rural Brocket. The casketbearers will be Donavon Pic, James Rysavy, Don Rysavy, Gary Ryba, Rod Ryba, Randy Helle, Edval Helle Jr., Darren Ryba, and Tim Schroeter. The honorary bearers will include all of Shirley's nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Sunday, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.