Sandra C. (Johnson) Rydeen |
| Posted 2009-07-11 by Fountain Hills Times |
| Sandra C. Rydeen, age 70, of Fountain Hills, passed away July 22, 2008 at her daughter’s home in Eden Prairie, Minn. She was preceded in death by her father, Marlen (Bob) Johnson and her favorite aunt Frieda O’Toole. She is survived by husband, James; son, Paul; daughter, Beth Geving; her mother, Margaret Johnson; brother, Gerald Johnson; sister, Vicki Johnson-Spiter; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; cousins; nieces; and nephews. Sandy was born June 5, 1938 at the Maternity Hospital in Minneapolis one of the first hospitals in the United States to be owned and run by women. Dr. Martha Ripley, an innovator in medicine and one of the nation's first female doctors, founded the hospital in 1886. Sandy would have been proud of that fact as she was a strong proponent for women’s rights and career choices. She chose for herself a career as a homemaker, and for that her children are eternally grateful. Sandy grew up in South Minneapolis, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1956. She met James Rydeen in 1956 and the two were married in 1960. In 1967 they and their two children moved to Golden Valley Minn. and another move followed in 1973 to Bass Lake in Plymouth, Minn. Sandy was a Charter Member of Shepherd of the Grove Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, Minn. She designed and sewed many liturgical banners and altar furnishings for the church as well as being an active member. Sandy received her Associate of Arts degree in Graphic Design from North Hennepin Community College in 1979, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Augsburg College in 1994. Sandy and Jim moved to Rio Verde, when Jim retired in 1996. In 1998 they moved to Tonto Verde, and in 2002, they moved to Fountain Hills. Jim and Sandy enjoyed the early retirement years with travels in Europe. Sandy assisted the ministers at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fountain Hills with her work creating and publishing the worship services and liturgies. Sandy began battling a rare neurological illness in 2001. Her children wanted to assist in caring for their mother and additions were built onto their homes in Minnesota and Mississippi for her needs. She died peacefully after visitations from members of her family and shortly after grandson Griffin, age 6, read the 23rd Psalm to her. A memorial service was held at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Eden Prairie, Minn. on Friday, July 25,2008. The memorial service at Sandy’s home church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Fountain Hills, will be scheduled in late August or early September. Fountain Hills times July 30, 2008. |
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