Longtime Steamboat Springs resident, Lyle Koehler passed away May 23, 2016. She was 94 years old. Lyle was born August 3, 1921 to Chris and Mildred Agnast in Philipsburg, Montana. They soon moved to Butte, Montana where they operated a restaurant business for 14 years. Lyle graduated from Butte High School, Butte Business College, and Court Recording School. She played the violin all thru high school and loved music and dance. She met Ron Koehler at a dance social at Columbia Gardens in Butte Montana.

She married Ron in 1944 and had two sons, Ronald Jr., and Greg who married Darlene. She has 5 grandchildren; Angelina, Marnee Rose, Lyndsey, Darren, and Joe. She has 2 great grandchildren; Christian and Sophia. She lost her dear husband in 2004 and a beloved granddaughter, Katie, in 2010. She was married to Ron for 59 years. They began their own business, a Western Auto Store in 1955 and it soon became Ron's Gamble and Marine store in Butte Montana until 1971.

They moved to Steamboat in 1971 and purchased the Rabbit Ears Motel. The motel had 20 units in 1971 and over the last 35 years expanded the motel to 65 rooms and a conference room. They worked tirelessly to maintain and restore a historical landmark - the famous Rabbit Ears Motel sign. Their son, Greg, has kept the motel in the family.

Lyle was an avid golfer and received the "Hole In One" award on Ladies Day July 1, 1989 at the Steamboat Golf Club.

She was a member of the Holy Name Church, Ladies Recreational Club/LRC, Steamboat Golf Club, Mesa Club, Steamboat Poker Tour, Tread of Pioneers Museum, and Steamboat Health & Recreation. She also volunteered at Yampa Valley Medical Center.

She loved music and traveled to jazz festivals throughout the United States and aboard. In 1945, in Helena Montana, Ron and Lyle danced the jitterbug in a performance for the State Legislature and were paid in war bonds for their routine.

Lyle was an avid card player and played Texas Hold 'Em poker, Pinochle, 500 Club, and Bridge.

She loved life and Steamboat. She was a positive thinker and was so grateful for her dear friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to VNA and Steamboat Humane Society.