Bonnie Jean Lorch (Whitezell, McKay) Lyle, 80, died Tuesday at her residence in Treasure Lake, DuBois.
Born and raised in Allison Park, Mrs. Lyle was a 1948 graduate of Hampton High School. In Allison Park, she was active in Girl Scouts, Welcome Wagon and was a successful realtor for Lorch Real Estate.
After her marriage, she moved to Hershey and managed The Meadows Conference Center for The American Cancer Society. They also resided in Yardley and Dunwoody, GA.
She and her husband retired to the community of Treasure Lake. An avid gardener, she participated in numerous flower shows and decorated centerpieces for dinners with The Ladies of the Lake. She also organized the first Red Hats Club in Treasure Lake and arranged various social events.
Mrs. Lyle was a consummate hostess who loved celebrating life and planning parties, whether it was for St. Patrick’s Day or her beloved Steelers. Her many grandchildren called to her “Feed the Deer,” as they loved seeing the animals come to her yard each evening when they visited Treasure Lake.
Her passion was her family; she planned multiple family vacations, painting matching shirts for the youngest infant to the oldest generation. As the matriarch of the family, she has influenced every generation with her love of decorating, sewing, cooking and gardening.
Mrs. Lyle will be deeply missed by family and friends who treasured her laughing blue eyes and talent for creating everlasting memories. She was preceded in death by her parents, G. Theodore Lorch Sr. and Mabel Clare (Magill) and her sister, Margaret L. Heide.
Mrs. Lyle’s survived by her husband, Everett Lyle of DuBois, whom she wed 38 years ago; three sons, Dan Whitezell and his wife, Debby of Hanover Park, IL; Bill McKay and his wife, Janemarie of Reading; and Doug Lyle of Bend, OR; and two daughters, Sharon Jerashen of DuBois and Debbi Whitezell of Allison Park.
Also surviving are one brother, Ted Lorch and his wife, Nanette of Allison Park; her mother-in-law, Grace Lyle of Ridgway; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition, she expected another great-grandchild in July.
The family will receive friends from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Thursday at the Goble-Baronick Funeral Home, DuBois and also from 2 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 9 Friday at the Bock Funeral Home, 1500 Mount Royal Blvd., Glenshaw.
A graveside service will be held on at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Mount Royal Cemetery, Glenshaw.
The family requests any contributions are made in her memory to: DuBois Regional Medical Center Hospice, P.O. Box 447, 100 Hospital Ave., DuBois, PA. 15801.
Online condolences may be sent to www.gbfuneralhome.com.