Ivana Lee “Granny” Kyle died Oct. 5, 2024, in St. Louis. Mrs. Kyle spent many years as a clerk for both the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad in Oklahoma City and for the Union Pacific Railroad in St. Louis. After retiring from the railroad, she worked as a massage therapist for 15 years. She was integral in getting an ordinance changed in the City of Arnold to allow massage therapists to be issued business licenses within city limits. The previous ordinance did not allow for a massage therapist to be licensed outside of a doctor’s office so many would either practice without a license or move outside of the city limits. This ordinance was amended in July of 2002. She was an avid volunteer for Safe Connections, Relay for Life and Women Dems. She enjoyed knitting, needlework and spending time with family and friends. Born March 14, 1950, in Presque Isle, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Avis (McGlauflin) and Robert Ellis.
She is survived by her husband and best friend: Jerry Kyle of Arnold; two siblings: Jeannie (Michael) Newman of Plano, Texas, and Donald Ellis of Homestead, Fla.; a child: Kimberly Smith of Arnold; two grandchildren: Ari (David Stavron) Ellis and LCpl Keaton D. Smith; a great-grandchild: Maxine Stavron; and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a sister: Cecelia Ann Ellis; and a brother: Raymond Ellis.
There is no planned service at this time. Memorials may be made to Safe Connections, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life or the Toby Keith Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapel Hill Mortuary.