Laura Ryken, 83

Laura (Lavonne) Ryken, a beautiful gentle soul who walked quietly through life, passed October 29, 2013, with loving family by her side. She was born on March 13, 1930, in Vermillion, South Dakota, to the late Ruben and Bernice Baker. She married Juanie (John) Ryken, and they were residents of Coeur d’Alene and rural St. Maries for over 30 years.

She felt she wasn’t brave but she battled crippling arthritis for years, never letting it get the best of her, getting up to face each new day with a sense of humor, courage, and hope, remaining as independent as she could through it all.

She felt she wasn’t a good wife or mother and she was right, she wasn’t good she was the best - always putting her family’s needs before hers - loving, caring for each through sickness and health, and quietly encouraging and reassuring them when they were in need or in doubt.

She felt she wouldn’t be missed or remembered, but she was wrong, for she touched so many lives in her beautiful existence. Each of us will carry her in our hearts, wherever we go, whatever we do, she will always be with us. She will never be forgotten.

She is preceded in death by her husband John Ryken. She is survived by her brother EuGene Baker of Omaha Nebraska, and her three children; Michael of Arlington, WA, Kenneth and Daughter-in-law Gail of Spokane, WA., Debra Blanchette of Hayden Lake, 8 Grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Our thanks and appreciation to Hospice for their loving care and support to her family.

English Funeral Chapel is in charge of cremation arrangements - No service is planned.

Please visit Laura’s online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.