Clara Mae Lyda

Clara M. Lyda, 84
Published: Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 4:30 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Clara Mae Ruff Lyda, 84, of Hendersonville, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008, at Beystone Health and Rehabilitation Center following a period of declining health.
She was born on Christmas Day, 1923, in Polk County, a daughter of the late Sidney and Della Warren Ruff, and had been a resident of the Hendersonville area for most of her life. She was a faithful servant and lifelong member of Barnwell Baptist Church and loved growing flowers. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry Clay Lyda, who died in 1998; a son, Charles David “C D” Lyda; four brothers; and five sisters.
A devoted mother and grandmother, she is survived by four sons, Dewey “Bud” Lyda, Larry Lyda and his wife, Jeanette, Terry Lyda and his wife, Jane, and Philip C. Lyda of Hendersonville; a granddaughter, Carolyn Sue Noblitt of Hendersonville and who was raised by Mrs. Lyda; eight other grandchildren, including Roslyn Lyda, who is currently serving ... in South Asia; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Barnwell Baptist Church Cemetery. The Revs. Harold McKinnish and Harold Connor will officiate. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. this evening at Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and at other times at the home. An online guest book is available for family and friends by visiting http://www.thosshepherd.com/.