Lyla Elmquist Good

Lyla Elmquist Good, 77, of Audubon, Iowa, formerly of Atlantic and Griswold, died Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Friendship Home in Audubon.

Lyla Marie was born on December 22, 1944, in Atlantic, Iowa, the daughter of Lawrence and Marie Theresa (Harmsen) Christensen.  She grew up with three siblings on a farm north of Walnut, Iowa; loving to tell the story of how her sister, Lorriane “Rainy” and her would dress up the baby pigs when their dad wasn’t around and mom said it was ok.  Lyla attended Walnut Community Schools, where she played basketball.  Following school, she wanted to go out on her own for a bit and during this time she lived at the YWCA in Des Moines and worked at Bishop’s, specializing in the pastries they offered.  She later moved back to Atlantic, where she lived with her mom and began working as a cook at Vans Chat & Chew, working there over 20 years. 

Little did she know that a trip to the emergency room to check on a family member would result in a proposal.  Edward Elmquist was also in the emergency room that day and saw Lyla and thought she was a nurse because of her waitressing outfit but later found out she wasn’t.  After he put the pieces together, he showed up at her house to ask her on a date.  On June 10, 1967, the couple was united in marriage at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic.  The couple was blessed with three children, Marsha, Brian and Rhonda.  The couple lived in Atlantic and loved to go to the 4-H Building for various events, dancing being a favorite.  They were both very family oriented and spent any chance they could together as a family, which was tough sometimes with Edward working days and Lyla nights.  Some of their favorite memories were made at the campground or with a fishing pole in hand.  After Edward died in 1977, she had a lot on her plate raising three kids and working to meet their needs; her mother stepping up to be a huge part of raising them.  Lyla’s children are so thankful that she kept Edward’s parents a big part of their life growing up.    

On April 12, 1986, she was united in marriage to Tom Good at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic after being introduced by a mutual friend, Darlene Devereaux and hitting it off after he showed up at Vans to ask her on a date.  Tom, having been a bachelor, took on a huge role in not only Lyla’s life but also the kids.  The couple lived on a farm near Griswold, Iowa, and she worked as a cook at Jo’s for eight years and the senior center for seven years.  Due to Tom’s failing health they moved to Odebolt, Iowa in 2012.  After Tom’s death, she remained living there until 2017, when she moved to Audubon.    

Lyla was easy going and could get along with anyone.  She was granted with the gift of a natural mothering instinct and was always the one taking care of others, not wanting to ever be in the spotlight.  Lyla loved to garden but she felt most at home in the kitchen whipping up various casseroles and soups and adding a little here and there to perfect the recipe she had.  A favorite family tradition was the time they spent together at the holidays; which included baking cookies and decorating the tree at church and home. 

Lyla felt blessed to be able to spend her last years close to her children, sister and other loved ones.  She will be deeply missed by her children, Marsha Elmquist of Audubon, Brian (Jodie Taylor) Elmquist of Red Oak and Rhonda Elmquist of Denison; eight grandchildren, Keaton, Dakota, Caleb, Desiree, Danilee, Jade, Paige and Alex; eight great-grandchildren; Brody, Abel, Treigan, Athena, Tucker, Conner, Liam and Knox; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Marie Christensen; two husbands that loved her deeply, Edward Elmquist and Tom Good; grandson, Trey Whitman; sisters, Nora Christensen, Lorraine (Marvin) Howell and Jesse (Earl) White and brothers, Jim (Gladys) Christensen and Kenny (Leila) Christensen. 

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

 Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 11, 2022, at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, with Pastor Lauri Boysen of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church officiating.  Burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.  The service will be recorded and available on the funeral home website by end of day Friday.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Lyla’s family and her arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.