Reva Pyle, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, in
Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 98. Born on March 17, 1927, in Topeka, Kansas, she was the cherished daughter of Lloyd S. and Harriet (Packard) Alleman.
Reva's father was a Free Methodist Minister in various churches in Kansas, including Kansas City, Americus, Wichita, and Ottawa. Church was the focus of her life and activities from a young age. Reva's academic journey began at Central Academy High School in McPherson, Kansas at the age of 16, where her involvement in music groups and leadership roles blossomed. She earned her Associate of Art degree at Central Christian College and later her Bachelor of Science Degree at Greenville College, engaging deeply in community life along the way.
Reva eventually returned to McPherson. On July 2, 1963, she married Edwin T. Pyle, and the following year, their daughter Patty was born, adding a girl to their blended family. Reva balanced her role as mother and homemaker, while working alongside her husband, Ed, where she served as a bookkeeper for Pyle Construction Company and Red Coach Inns and Restaurants. She was involved in all his ventures and wore many hats, contributing tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly.
Reva dedicated her life to her family and her faith, establishing a warm and welcoming home that became a nurturing haven for her loved ones. The grandchildren were always welcome, and she made sure her pantry was always stocked with their favorites. Known for her sweet spirit and graceful demeanor, Reva made every holiday special for her family. She had an extraordinary gift for creating warm memories, and setting a beautiful table that always included her famous red punch. Sports were another passion of hers, particularly basketball. She enjoyed traveling to games with Ed, who served as head coach at Central Christian College, often accompanied by their daughter Patty on the team bus. Reva served as the dedicated videographer. There was no shortage of enthusiasm as she cheered for her children and grandchildren at countless basketball and football games and other sporting events, relishing the excitement from the bleachers.
Her strong Christian faith was a cornerstone in her life where she taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir at the McPherson Free Methodist Church for many years. Reva had a heart to serve and was actively involved in various clubs and organizations. She started a group called the "Pylettes" which was for wives of Ed's construction company employees. She was also involved in The Happy Handful Club, and Christian Women's Club where she often held leadership roles. Reva hosted many events and dinners in their home over the years. Friendship and connection were always important to Reva. She was a part of a Round Robin Letter for over 60 years with 13 of her college friends.
Both Reva and Ed were very involved in Central Christian College of McPherson. They supported the mission of the college financially as well as with their presence at various events. The Lloyd S. Alleman Building, named after her father, and the Ed Pyle Sports Complex are a testament to this commitment. After Ed's passing, Reva was asked to fill Ed's seat on the Board of Trustees, which she did for several years.
Moving forward after Ed's death was difficult, yet Reva embraced life with resilience and developed meaningful friendships, allowing her to lead a full and active life for many years. Proverbs 3:5-6 was a verse that gave her great comfort "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight."
Reva moved to Wichita after Ed's passing, and soon became involved at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, helping with Wednesday night dinners, Women's Ministries leadership and participating in many bible studies. Outside of church, she was a member of PEO Chapter IP and Project Beauty which allowed her to meet other women across the city. Alongside her church and community commitments, Reva's friendships greatly enriched her life. Reva had a small group of women she met regularly with to play Mexican Train Dominoes. She also maintained a close bond with her younger sister, Melva, enjoying outings and hours of conversation until Melva's passing. Living with her daughter Patty and her family for a decade provided her with treasured moments, forming deep connections with her grandchildren, whom she adored.
Reva is survived by her loving daughter, Patty (Ron) Oberg of
Wichita, KS; her cherished grandchildren, Landon (Carly) Oberg of
Wichita, KS, Ellie (Brad) Ballou of Roeland Park KS, and Chase (Caroline) Oberg of Lincoln, NE; along with two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepsons, Tom Pyle of McPherson, KS, John (Gloria) Pyle of El Dorado, KS, and Bill Pyle of Highlands Ranch, CO; an impressive legacy of 20 step-grandchildren and 51 step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Pyle; her parents, Lloyd and Harriet Alleman; and her sister, Melva Ulsaker. Reva's unwavering faith in Jesus, her kind-hearted nature, and sweet spirit will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, October 20, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, followed by burial at 2:30 pm at McPherson Cemetery. As we reflect on Reva's life, let us remember her legacy of love, service, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith.
Memorials have been established with Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1958 N. Webb Road,
Wichita, KS 67206 and Central Christian College, 1200 S. Main St., McPherson, KS 67460.
Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group -
Wichita, KS.