Lyle Aaron Stenfors of Palm Desert, CA, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 12, 2023, at Vista Cove Long Term Care Facility in Rancho Mirage, CA. Lyle was born June 4, 1938, in Salina, KS. He is the son of the late Kenneth A and Edith I (Peterson) Stenfors.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 34 years, Nelda, his daughter, Valerie, and her family: husband, Shane Barkley and granddaughters Jerica, Jaley, and Josie of Topeka, KS. Also survived of Lyle's family are his stepson, Doug Hicks and his children (Maria, John, Michael, Joseph, Matthew) of Platte City, MO, and stepdaughter Cheryl Derrick and her children and grandchildren, Mike and Summer Demoff (Jacob, Blake and Hannah) and Cody and Jesse Sutton (Tyler and Skylar) all of California. Additional survivors include step-grandchildren Tyler and Kaleigh Wilson (Sully and Finleigh) and Austin Hicks. Other survivor family members include sister, Janice Schmidt, of Bennington, brother Jack and Susie Stenfors of Bennington; brother Bill & Kathi Stenfors of Manhattan and his sister –in-laws Delores Stenfors of Salina and Roberta Stenfors of Minneapolis. Other family members include many nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews, great-great nephews & nieces, and cousins.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Jenifer Lee Stenfors, brothers Bob and Keith, stepson DeWayne Hicks, brother-in law LaVon Schmidt, and stepson-in-law Terry Derrick.

Lyle grew up in Bennington, KS, graduating from Bennington High School in 1956. He played in a variety of sports and earned his Eagle Scout with Bronze Palm. He then attended KSU, receiving his bachelor's degree in business administration. He attended Washington University and completed his master's degree in Guidance and Counseling from Washington State University. He also received his PhD in Education Administration.

Lyle was an assistant superintendent for several school districts in Missouri, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, and California. Lyle also loved to play golf and tennis. In the last several years of his life, Lyle played competitive tennis and continued to play until the age of 83. He was very active and athletic all of his life.

Lyle loved to go to local coffee shops each morning to visit with the other locals. He greeted everyone with a smile and was a friend to all. He enjoyed attending various athletic events and was a loyal Kansas State Wildcats fan. He also watched baseball and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. One of his all-time favorite television shows was, "Andy Griffith." Lyle and Nelda enjoyed hosting their children and grandchildren at their Lake of the Ozarks home in the summer months. Lyle's faith was very important to him. He was known to give the advice to always, "pray about it."

Lyle was well known as a generous, witty, kind, helpful and intelligent man. He always had a positive attitude, an amazing work ethic, and a contagious laugh that made others smile.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, July 8th at the United Church of Bennington. Memorials can be made to the United Church of Bennington, 222 N Nelson St, Bennington, KS 67422.