Lela A. Denning 1910 - 2004

DENNING, IREY, GILSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/16/2015 at 15:12:59

Sioux City Journal
31 August 2004

Lela A. Denning, 94, of South Sioux City, formerly of Sioux City, died Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at Regency Square Care Center in South Sioux City after suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Morningside Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Roger D. Graf officiating. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8:30 p.m. today, with an Eastern Star service at 7 p.m., at Christy-Smith Morningside Chapel.

Lela was born on March 10, 1910, in Rosalie, Neb., the daughter of James and Minnie (Irey) Gilson. She grew up and attended school in Nebraska. She moved to Sioux City over 60 years ago and lived most of her life in Sioux City, until her health forced her to the nursing home in South Sioux City about four years ago.

She married Ray Denning on Aug. 31, 1928, in Wayne, Neb. Ray died in Sioux City on March 12, 1988. She and her husband operated Denning Florist from 1950 until 1972, when they retired. Lela also ran a re-weaving business out of her home for many years.

She was a member of Morningside Presbyterian Church, Order of Eastern Star, Morningside Chapter 502, Siouxland Florist Association, Society of Iowa Florists, having been past president of that association, F.T.D. and a former member of Morningside Country Club. Lela was an avid golfer and bowler. She loved her yard and garden and all the work involved with those.

Survivors include a daughter, Deanna, and Benny Benson, of Sioux City and Mission, Texas; three grandsons, Craig and Jeannie Muston, Tim Muston and Jon and Leslie Muston, all of Sioux City; eight great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a special sister-in-law, Doris Svien, of Sioux City; and a special niece, Connie Prevett, of Sioux City.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Lloyd Gilson.

Pallbearers will be her eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial fund has been established in her name in care of the family.