Ruby Louise Ryen's Obituary
Ruby Louise Ryen, 96 years of age, known as “Nikki” by her many friends, and “Gam” to her beloved grand and great- grandchildren, passed into eternity on October 17, 2011, in Yucaipa, CA. Nikki was born on April 20, 1915 in Slater, Missouri. Nikki, and her husband Gene, celebrated 72 years of marriage just before Gene’s passing in December of 2005.
Nikki was an artist, with her crowning accomplishment the installation of her portrait of former Senator Everett Dirksen, into the Smithsonian Institute’s National Portrait Gallery. She and Gene had a ceramics business during the ‘50’s and ‘60’s, in Blue Jay and San Bernardino, CA. Nikki received her degree in Art from Valley College, while raising the last of her four children. Along with painting, she was gifted in many different art mediums, including crafts, sculpture, sewing and candles. Her peanut brittle and “Gammy buns” were legendary. She also taught, for a time, at the Lighthouse for the Blind and for San Bernardino Adult Education Department. Nikki was a faithful support and travel companion to Gene, during his many years working for Abundant Treasures, servicing Bible Bookstores throughout the United States.
Nikki was a resident of San Bernardino until moving to the mountains, a place that Nikki and Gene loved most. They resided in Big Bear Lake until shortly before Gene’s passing in 2005. Nikki lived in Yucaipa, CA until her passing. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, exemplifying Christ’s love in all that she did.
Nikki loved her family dearly. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene, and their daughter Jan Brown, who passed in 1993. She is survived by daughters Sandy Norman and her husband Ray, of Big Bear Lake, Melinda Ryen of Seattle, Washington, and her son, Jerry Ryen, and his wife, Annalee, of Redlands. Nikki had Five grandchildren: Julie Hird, Chris Norman, Todd and Darin Brown, and Jasmine Underland. seven great-grandchildren: Alyssa, Claire and Alex Hird, Ryen and Andrew Norman, and Kieren and Zoe Underland. Nikki was the last of five sisters to pass. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
There will be a private, family service to celebrate her life in the near future.
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