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The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1 These eight simple, yet lasting words have been woven into the fabric of the life of Kathy Jane Rynberg, age 68, of Sturgis. On Wednesday, July 29, 2020; the skies teemed down bittersweet tears as this cherished daughter of God triumphantly traded her ashes in for beauty and returned home to her Father to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.
It is difficult to gather enough words together to justly describe Kathy. Words like: Magnetic; Spirited; Effervescent; Gracious; Welcoming; Benevolent; Vibrant and full of life. When asked if there was one word that could possibly encompass everything about her, Roger, her adoring husband of over 50 years, gazed deeply, as if returning to a cherished moment in their life together, and replied without hesitation; “unforgettable, Kathy was simply unforgettable”.
Kathy was an inescapably candid force that was an uplifting breath of fresh air to every person she met. She loved to spend time in the kitchen creating and perfecting amazing one-of-a-kind dishes to add to her coveted ‘notebook of secret recipes’ and more importantly, drawing her family close around a table. Her serenity was found sitting next to Roger in the glowing warmth of a campfire. She often found splendor in places that many others might overlook, loving to collect unique, quirky items, and display them with gleaming pride. She was the classic social butterfly and would not hesitate to cease an opportunity to start a conversation with a perfect stranger; a stranger who would quickly find themselves captive to her extraordinary charm. She enjoyed being a part of her Bunco group and relished every September when it was her turn to host. ‘Adopted’ as the “American Grandmother” of Mu (Thailand), Simon (Belgium), and Bjarne (Germany), her loving impact spanned the globe and knew no boundaries.
Above all else, Kathy was a radiant woman of God whose glow cast brilliantly over countless lives, inspiring perpetual happiness. If you asked her, she would tell you that her cup indeed, ‘overflowed’. She was a beacon of light that will be forever missed.
As she is reunified in paradise with her sister Deborah and parents George and Virginia Mullally, Kathy’s legacy here endures through her surviving beloved husband of 51 years, Roger Rynberg; her five cherished daughters; Michelle (John) Bender, Cindy Rynberg, Lisa Rynberg, Jennifer (Michael) Lanning, and Melissa Rynberg;15 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A visitation will take place at 10AM; proceeded by a Celebration of Life service to be held at 11AM on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Lifetree Community Church. 10933 Lake Michigan Dr, West Olive MI, 49460. Officiated by Pastor Jeff Elzinga.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Kathy took great delight in her daughter Jennifer’s work with the SOARIN’HAWK Raptor Rehabilitation Center. To honor Kathy’s memory, in lieu of flowers, the family request that you consider making an online monetary donation to the center at soarinhawk.org.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences for the family.
