Shylana Rose Lightfeldt

Shylana Rose Lightfeldt, affectionately known to her family and friends as Lana, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the age of 89 in Riverside, California. Lana was born on August 19, 1934, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Ernest and Rosa Buchholz. She graduated from Murphysboro Township High School in 1952. Lana lived most of her adult life in California, where she received a degree in Business Administration from the University of Redlands. During her long professional career, Lana worked for a brief time as a telephone operator in St. Louis, and in California for the County of San Bernardino and then the County of Riverside, where she retired after 20 years in 1993 as Director of the Public Social Services. It was while working with the County of Riverside, Lana met her husband of 32 years, Byron Lightfeldt. Lana also volunteered for several years with the Sisters of Charity, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the homeless and less fortunate. Lana had a keen interest in studying astrology, researching family genealogies, and spending time gardening. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and traveling. She and Byron traveled to many different destinations throughout the U.S. and the world. Lana had a deep love for her dog, Babe, and would let her sit in the front seat next to Byron anytime they drove somewhere. Lana was a genuinely kind, optimistic, and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She didn't take life too seriously, but cherished the little moments of her days. Lana had a way of making everyone feel loved and valued, and maintained close relationships with her family and friends. She cared deeply for all the people in her life. Lana was preceded in death by her husband, Byron, and her older brother, Clifton Buchholz. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Kay Dally, her granddaughter, Amanda Rose Smith, and her stepchildren, Deborah Houghtaling, Linda Martinez, John Lightfeldt, and Alan Lightfeldt. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Lana was laid to rest at Riverside National Cemetery alongside her beloved husband, Byron.