Laura M Lyda

Laura Mae Lyda became our beloved ancestor on July 15th, 2026. She is now joyfully reunited with her beloved George to restart their incredible journey together. She leaves behind countless footprints of love, generosity, and laughter to comfort us all through our tears.

Laura was a blessing from her birth on May 4th, 1932 in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Her life-long work ethic and resilience were forged from a young age, navigating each challenge and struggle with her singular grace and grit. In Twin Falls, Idaho, she met and married her husband and partner-in-kindness, George Ancil Lyda on September 17th, 1950. They welcomed their first and only son, Daniel, on April 17th, 1955, before they resettled in Boise.

Together they moved through several lines of work before launching the GALCO leasing company, where the Laura Lyda grit fueled both office and home. Her cooking nurtured all at her table, and her wit conquered any business hurdle. Knowing she could only embrace her own success by supporting others, she joined the Philanthropic Educational Organization where she contributed nearly 50 years of service. Her efforts with her PEO sisters ensured that young women from all backgrounds had the privilege of higher education not available to her.

George and Laura’s life together was temporarily cut short in 1995 when he passed away. Through the sorrow of this moment, we can feel the smiles she saved up for 31 years as she rejoined him. She was a devoted servant of God her entire life, trusting in His compassion and on occasion, His justice. Her prayer list would rival any clergy on earth. “I will pray for you” was never an empty promise. Laura’s faith is still a beacon to all who have the courage to believe beyond what they see.

She will be deeply missed by her surviving family and the three generations which she made possible – from her son to her three great grandchildren she was able to hold in her final years. For Laura, “family” existed beyond the boundaries of bloodlines. Her passing leaves a void in her tight circle of decades-long friendships, and countless others she made along the way. Her absence will be felt by the staff at her favorite establishments, who meant much more to her than the transaction between them. We offer our deep gratitude to the staff and many friends at Salmon Creek Retirement Living for bringing joy and peace to Laura’s final years.

Laura gave us far more love than we could ever repay to her directly, and that may have been her plan all along. Each of us who knew her will have a few extra bits of compassion to share in a world that could use it.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at the Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life at Life’s Kitchen, both in Boise.

We look forward to welcoming all who were touched by Laura’s beautiful soul as we send off a powerhouse of humanity.

Donations can be made in Laura’s honor to the Philanthropic Educational Organization online or by mail. Laura was a member of the BN\ID Boise Chapter. www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift/