Lyla Arlene Molokken, 96, of Ossian, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Ossian Senior Hospice in Ossian. Lyla was born September 3, 1930, in West Union, Iowa, the daughter of Nanfred and Myrtle (Ruroden) Osmundson. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Olaf Church, West Union, Iowa. She attended country school and West Union Public Schools through the eighth grade.
On October 12, 1952, Lyla was united in marriage to Arthur Joseph Molokken at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Ossian. Together they farmed for many years. Before her marriage, Lyla worked as a clerk at the West Union Dime Store. She later worked at Postville Turkey Products for 19 years. Throughout her life, she was also a dedicated homemaker and farm wife.
Lyla lived in the Clermont, West Union and Ossian areas throughout her life. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and Bethany Lutheran Church, both in rural Ossian. She enjoyed cooking and baking, spending time with cats and dogs, and gathering with friends for coffee. Lyla also enjoyed traveling, including trips out west with friends and trips to Breckenridge, Colorado; Natchitoches, Louisiana; and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for family weddings.
Lyla is survived by her daughter, LaRita Pritchard of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Christy Pritchard of Des Moines, Chad Pritchard of Johnston, Kyle (Kelsey) Pritchard of Des Moines, and Tim Williams; great-grandchildren, Aida and August Pritchard and Mikayla Johnson; brother, Gaylord (Barbara) Osmundson of Apache Junction, Arizona; and sisters, Diane (David) Lensing of Postville, Iowa, and Ardith (Randy) Allen of Decorah, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur; son, Randy; daughter, Julie Fulsaas; grandson, Kendal Pritchard; parents, Nanfred and Myrtle (Ruroden) Osmundson; sisters, Delores in infancy, Eleanor Wilson and Geneva Meinecke; brothers, Kenneth and Norman Osmundson; sister-in-law, Kathleen Osmundson; and brothers-in-law, Ron Ramsey and Mike Wilson.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural Ossian, Iowa, with Pastor Zach Smith officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Burial will follow at First Lutheran Cemetery in rural Ossian, Iowa.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ossian Nursing Home, Winn Med Hospice, the staff at Stoney Brook Village when she lived there and Pastor Zach Smith for all his visits and support to Lyla.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.