Waunita Rye, of Watson, died Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Luther Haven Nursing Home in Montevideo at the age of 88.
A celebration of her life will be hosted by her family on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Luther Haven Nursing Home between 3 and 4 pm with cake and coffee to thank her caregivers and friends.
Waunita Wanda (Wright) Rye was born June 6, 1924 in Rosewood Township, Chippewa County, MN the daughter of Cecil and Bertha (Shervy) Wright. She attended school in Watson and graduated from Montevideo High School in 1942. Waunita attended Presentation School of Nursing and became a Cadet nurse during WW II. She was united in marriage with Glen Rye from Granite Falls December 11, 1949 in Minneapolis. They lived in the Twin Cities where Waunita worked in the original Nicolette Clinic as a registered nurse. In 1963, they moved to Arizona where they raise four children and she worked at Mesa Lutheran Hospital for over 30 years. After Glen’s death on June 29, 2005, she returned to live in Watson with her daughter Kathy, returning to her Grandparents home. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, and bird watching.
She is survived by her four children: Tom (JoAnn) Rye of Young, AZ, Kathy Rye of Watson, MN, Barbara (Steve) Rye-Ryan of Prescott, AZ, and Nancy (Jim) Brad of Woodford, VA; six grandchildren: Josh (Brooke) Rye, Troy (Carmen) Rye, Allisha (Taylor) Bryant, Sam Brad, Jack Brad, and Shanti Ryan; two great-grandchildren: Anthony and Keldon Rye; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Glen; and a brother Archie Wright.