Raylene was part of the fabric of life in Colusa all of her 87 years. Born in Colusa in 1937, she attended Our Lady of Lourdes School and Colusa High School. She went to college at Chico State where she acquired her teaching degree and met and married Eric Lyss. They moved to Colusa in 1964 and Eric opened The Country SquireMen and Boys Clothing Store.
They built a home on Parkhill Street in Colusa, and raised five children. Once her youngest child was in school full time, she returned to teaching. Through the years she loved seeing and cheering on her former students. A fixture in Colusa life whether it was serving at Our Lady of Lourdes, playing bridge and golf, dropping off casseroles and cookies to friends or riding her bike around town. Raylene was always there when help was needed.
Despite the loss of her beloved husband, Eric in 1995, she continued to live her life to the fullest. Raylene found time to serve on City of Colusa Parks and Recreation Commission, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Council and served as President of Omega Nu Sorority.
Her energy and warmth were inexhaustible and will be missed by all fortunate to have known her.
She is survived by her sister, Julie (Ken) and her children, Cyndee (Doug), Steven,
Cory (Mike), Darin (Kim), Charlie (Kim) and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. We will miss you dearly, Truk. There will be mass held in her honor on Thursday, January 9th at 10:00 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, followed by a reception at The Colusa Golf and Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Church would be appreciated.