After a life of love and quiet grace, Lila Rayburn, 71, has passed.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of her story.
Lila entered this world in 1944 — the start of a journey that would span 71 years.
Lila spent her working life as ['the Pfeifer Law Office in Parker'] and held deeply to the Lutheran faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Those who live by belief leave a different kind of mark.
Lila Rayburn, 71, of Hurley, SD went to be with her creator on December 4, 2015 after she was the victim of a tragic car accident. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 9th at Grace Lutheran Church in Parker, SD with family visitation from 5:00-7:00. Funeral services will be held on December 10, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran, with burial preceding at 10:00 AM at the Hurley Cemetery. Lila Mae Nickolauson was born May 17, 1944 in Sisseston, S.D. She was the youngest of six children of Albert and Tolly (Tober) Nickolauson. She graduated from Sisseston High School. She went on to Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD where she obtained undergraduate and masters degrees in Mathematics Education. While at college, she met Donald Rayburn. They were married in Sisseston on September 12, 1969. Lila and Don lived on the family farm in Hurley where they farmed with Don's father Max and brother Steve. Lila substitute taught at local schools and taught various college level math classes in Sioux Falls, SD. Lila then worked at the Pfeifer Law Office in Parker. She went back to school and obtained her Certified Public Account (CPA) accreditation from the University of South Dakota. In September 1990, she started working for Connie Buskohl, CPA in Sioux Falls where she "retired" in 2014. She especially enjoyed preparing farmers' taxes. She also managed the Mitchell CPA office from 2004 to 2014. Lila and Don had 2 children, Paul and Carmen. They raised their kids on the family farm in Hurley. Lila was involved with the Windmills and Watertowers Extension Club, Porkettes, and was a long time board member for HorsePower (Handi-Riders). She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. Lila loved spending time with her 5 very busy grandchildren. Her other interests included stained glass creations, gardening, painting, cooking, and sewing. She had a laugh that lit up the room. She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers, Delvin "Tiny" Nickolauson and Marvin "Nickel" Nickolauson, and her only sister Betty Jean Herrin. Survivors include her husband Don; her children Paul {Jennifer) Rayburn of Bennett, CO., and Carmen (Luke) Pulscher of Hot Springs, SD. Five grandchildren; Alexis and Connor (Paul) and Wyatt, Taylor, and Senay (Carmen). Two brothers, Donald Albert Nickolauson of Frederic, WI and Lavern Eugene Nickolauson of Grand Forks, ND.
