Condolences

I have the happiest memories from staying with Grandma Rye at the house on Pearl Street, and at the cabin on the lake. Grandma Rye was always so kind to me. It's difficult to feel connected while living so far away, but Grandma Rye always took a personal interest in me and my brothers. Rye was the best grandma to us, and she will be terribly missed.

My deepest condolences to all of the King family for their loss.

This news has been so difficult. Please know that we are heartbroken, and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our hope is that whatever strength and comfort you need will be provided. We deeply appreciate those of you with ‘feet on the ground’ who are entrusted with resolving Rye’s affairs. We understand how overwhelming this can be and are regretful we’re not with you to lend a hand.

When I first met Rye, I was 24 and she was about the age I am today. What struck me about her was her extraordinary vitality. She embraced life with unfettered enthusiasm, and successfully orchestrated everything in her sphere. She was so bold and commanding – but so generous and kind. A rare combination of characteristics. Rather than intimidate – she inspired. I’ve never known anyone quite like her. Rye was an original, one of a kind. She was loved and she’ll be missed.

I was attracted to the Bible’s message because it provided reasonable evidence regarding a sustainable future for humanity and the earth (”thoughts of peace and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11). When I lost my father, I realized how much I valued the prospect of the resurrection – a ‘restanding’ to life. The scripture in Isaiah 26:19 touched my heart and warms it still:
"Your dead ones will live. A corpse of mine - they will rise up. Awake and cry out joyfully, you residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of mallows, and the earth itself will let even those impotent in death drop in birth." I hope to welcome back my father and Rye to an even better life – when old age and death will be things of the past.

It was such a privilege to have known Mrs. King. She was so knowledgeable, cheerful and a breath of fresh air. She will definitely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

I was lucky to have met Mrs. Rye King and her husband when they came as patients to a doctors office that I worked for years ago. Come to find out she was the grandmother of a close friend's husband. She was a kind lady. Always well spoken, and we always enjoyed our visits. My deepest sympathy to her family, a great loss.

Our deepest sympathy to all of Rye's family. We, the Cunningham kids , have many fond memories of living next door to the King family. I am sure there were times we drove her nuts playing in our side yard and ending up in her's.
She was a great lady and a wonderful neighbor to our parents long after all of us had left our Pearl Street home.
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary (Cunningham) Smith