Zola M. Lyons

Zola Mae Lyons passed away at the age of 92, in Milford, Ohio surrounded by her family on September 18, 2019. For 63 years she was the beloved wife of the late Robert B. Lyons. The couple lived in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Cherished mother of Jim (Peggy Rust) Lyons, Bill (Linda) Lyons, Stan (the late Kitty) Lyons and Pat (Paul) White. Proud grandmother of Toni (Sam Carter) Lyons, and loving great-grandmother of Grace Carter. Zola was proceeded in death by her parents, Eugene and Martha Burmood of Ordway, Colorado.

She was born September 12,1927 in Ordway, Colorado. Throughout her life she was an active community member, mostly known for her piano playing at churches and civic events. In 1946, the Christian Church of Ordway awarded her a religious scholarship to Phillips University, in Enid, Oklahoma. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Colorado Springs for more than 40 years.

While in high school, Zola worked for the phone company as a switch-board operator. It was also at this time she was one of two women in her hometown that learned how to fly a Piper Cub airplane. The flying lessons were paid for with the money she earned at the phone company.

Zola and Bob were married in 1948 on his birthday. The couple move to Rocky Ford, Colorado where they lived for 20 years and raised four children. As owners of Lyons-Burmood Home Decorating Center they provided a comfortable middle-class existence for the family. In 1968 the family moved to Colorado Springs where she began working for the El Pomar Foundation that operated The Broadmoor Hotel among many other entities. She was promoted to auditor for the Manitou Incline and Pikes Peak Cog Railroad in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She retired after 30 years of service and a lifetime member of the Broadmoor Pioneer Club. This club is an appreciation of employees after 25 years of service.

After her husband passed in 2013, Zola maintained her residency in Colorado Springs while living with each of her four children across the country from Hawaii to Ohio. During this time period she maintained contact with her Bible Study Group in Colorado Springs where after many years had decreased to just a few members. As the years passed and it became more difficult to travel, she sold her house on Lazy Lane and moved to Ohio where she lived until
her passing.

Zola Mae was the last of her generation in our extended family. She had an engaging personality, which combined with her unique first name, made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her presence will be deeply missed by her family. She will be remembered fondly for the gentle person she was and for her beautiful, radiant smile.

A small family service will be held at a later date in Hawaii.

Memorial Contribution