Lyla Rose Mcmullen

Lyla (Lila) Rose Sanders McMullen departed her earthly form after 89 years; and according to her belief, she is in Heaven enjoying family and friends that have gone before her.
Lyla was born August 10, 1925 in Valley, Nebraska to parents, Harold W. (Sandy) and Gladys I. (Mom) Hurst Sanders. When she was 9 years old, Lyla migrated west with her family in December 1934. The move was made during Christmas vacation from school, destined for Oregon City, OR. The family arrived in Roseburg late on the Sunday ending school vacation and the parents decided to remain in Roseburg, letting the children finish the school year, before moving on to Oregon City. The family never left Roseburg.
Lyla's first grade teacher misspelled her name as Lila' and it stuck for most of her life. Not until apply for her Social Security benefits did she correct it to Lyla'.
Throughout her life, Lyla enjoyed many experiences. Early in her teen years she played for an all girl softball team that competed statewide. She was a Majorette for a drum and bugle corp and a Cheer Leader all of her High School years. In the 50's Lyla and her husband, Bob, took up trap shooting. Lyla soon became a champion shooter and was named to the Pacific International Trapshooting Association (PITA) and to Sports Afield Magazine's Women's All America Trap Team, honorary designations based on scores. Bob and Lyla often hunted deer and ducks together. Nearing retirement, the McMullens turned to golf. Though Lyla loved the game, she never got beyond being a "duffer." Roseburg Country Club gave her an Honorary Membership after nearly 30 years as a member. This she retained until her death. Her last hurrah was at the age of 73 when she made a tandem parachute jump on a dare from her grandson.
Lyla attended Rose and Benson Elementary schools, the old Central Junior High School destroyed by the 1959 blast and Roseburg High School, graduating in 1942 at the age of 16. Next she attended business school in Stockton, CA. Upon completion, she returned to Roseburg and worked briefly for J.V. Long, then District Attorney, until he was called into military service during WWII. She continued working as a secretary until her fianc' returned from Navy service in the South Pacific. Lyla and Robert Lee McMullen married in November, 1944 and were married 50 years at the time of his death. They had three wonderful children, Cheryl Lee, Kathy Rae and Rick Allen.
Briefly in the 50's Bob and Lyla operated a tavern, Wally's Pastime. Following that, Lyla worked for USDI, Bureau of Land Management, retiring in 1982.
Lyla enjoyed board games, card games, sewing, knitting, crocheting, reading and house plants. Having a good sense of humor she loved a good laugh and particularly enjoyed visiting with family and friends. Above all, she loved being with her family.
Alone after her husband's death, the children encouraged her to move nearer one of them; so, in October, 2007, Lyla sold her Roseburg home and moved to Eugene, Oregon, near her son.
Lyla was preceded in death by her parents Sandy and Mom Sanders; husband, Bob; daughter Kathy Rae; Brothers, Virgil and Robert Sanders and Sister's-in-law Irene (Norville) Sanders and Shirley (Erickson) Sanders. Lyla is survived by her two children, daughter Cheryl (Dan) Reed, of North Bend, OR and son, Rick McMullen (Barbara Hopfner) of Tucson, AZ and Eugene, OR, brother George Sanders who is in an assisted living home in Seattle, WA and Sister-in-law Shirley Sanders. Nieces and Nephews include brother George's children Georgeanna, Gaylord (Doug) and Ginger and brother Bob's children (Robert (Rob), Jim, Tami and Sheldon. Grandchildren are Cheryl's children Cari, Scott and Brandi; Kathy's sons Bret and Klint and seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving is extended family and many dear friends. Wilson's Chapel of the Roses is handling the arrangements. Please visit www.wilsonschapeloftherosesfh.com to leave the family fond memories and condolences.