Lyla Bybee, age 72 of Wichita Kansas passed away peacefully November 2, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Lyla was born in Morrilton, Arkansas on July 24, 1951 to Charlie and Dean (McDonald) Pruitt and in later years Grandma Dean came to live with Lyla and John until her death in 2021.
Lyla was preceded in death by her loving husband John Bybee, her parents Charlie and Dean, and daughters Vicki Dresslaer and Sherry Hubble.
Lyla is survived by daughter, Jennifer Baird (Kirk) of Valley Center; son Terry Norton (Dana) of Wichita; brother Ray Pruitt (Alta) of Hattieville, AR; son-in-law Jim Dresslaer of Wichita along with a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren as well as nieces and nephews.
Lyla was always up for an adventure. Lyla loved to travel and has gone many places with John or weekend retreats with her Sorority Sisters even taking an Alaskan cruise with the Dutch oven gang. But the best of all were the mega sleepovers with the grandchildren! One of the most memorable memories for most of her grandchildren was when Nana bought her light up shoes so she could match theirs.
As the children and grandchildren grew up and with the death of John in 2016 Lyla wanted and needed something to fill the empty void she felt. Lyla began to focus on volunteering at many of the local charities and her biggest focus was with the biker community.... It didn’t take long until she was known as “Naughty Nana.” Lyla did everything from collecting socks for the veterans to crocheting hats for the children in the hospital to rocking the pavement in the ARC Sedgwick County Motorcycle rides, not to mention her “adopt a family” at Christmas time. But Lyla was best known for the “Naughty Nana Turkey Rides.” Lyla came up with the idea to make and deliver Thanksgiving dinners to those in need and needless to say it was a big hit and is now going on its eighth year!
In 2022 Lyla was honored in having a “Toy Run” named after her known as “Naughty Nana’s Santa Ride.”
Lyla will always be remembered for her love of people and what she could do to make their lives happier and the way she always stepped up without asking why. We couldn’t have asked for a better parent, grandparent, sister or friend, and we'll miss Lyla every day. Lyla’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, you may designate to Lyla's Memorial, (in care of Baker Funeral Home PO Box 242, Valley Center, Kansas 67147.)
Her Celebration of Life will be held in the springtime, time and date to be announced.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerfhvc.com.