Claudene June Ryden

Claudene June Ryden passed away April 5, 2016, at The Windsor Health Care Facility in Windsor, Colorado. She was 82.

Claudene was born June 30, 1934 in Guide Rock, Webster County, Nebraska to Lyman Harold Hansen and Janice Anetta Liles Hansen. She was the oldest of four children. Raised on the family farm northeast of Mankato, Kansas, Claudene's childhood consisted of farm chores, helping her younger siblings get in trouble and learning how not to sew and cook. During high school she participated in band and choir. She became an accomplished piano player which she enjoyed for years.

When Claudene was 18 she was working as a waitress at a hotel coffee shop. She met a tall blue eyed man whom she fell in love with and married. His name was Darrell Ryden. Claudene and Darrell were married on July 18, 1952, at the Mankato First Methodist Church. They lived in several towns throughout Kansas until settling in Pratt. On December 20, 1954 their first child, Randall Chris was born. Then on June 12, 1958, their daughter, Richelle Ann was born. Shortly after her birth they moved to Brighton, Colorado. They lived in town living across from Glen and Mary Reasoner which became a lifelong circle of friends. Claudene stayed at home raising her two young children until an opportunity arose to work at Global Insurance where she started in the underwriting pool. Eventually Claudene would become an independent agent after exhausting goals as an underwriter. In 1962 Claudene's young family moved to their dream home in the country where they would reside for 51 years. Claudene became active at the Henderson Congregational Church where she and Darrell would be youth leaders for several years. She also served as deaconess, board member, church organist, choir member and served on numerous boards and committees.

Claudene's passion for travelling showed in the yearly summer family trips that she and her family would bravely embark on. The four would pile into whatever vehicle Darrell had ready and she would do her best version of camp cooking and camping always with a smile. As Darrell and the kids would fish Claudene would keep herself busy, sometimes finding things she didn't care for such as leeches after wading in a fresh water lake. Later on she would be able to travel in style in their 5th wheeler and feel right at home. As her children became older Claudene became more active in school activities that required parent sponsors. She knew how to have controlled fun and was able to pass those lessons on to the pre-teens and teenagers that she mentored. The band trips that she and Darrell would chaperone to Canada became legendary but she was always there for the kids no matter what they attempted. Claudene did not miss an athletic or music event of either of her children. She was known to mention to more than a few people of how proud she was and to even brag, maybe just a little.

Claudene became a member of Lorraine Chapter 52, Order of the Eastern Star. She served as Worthy Matron and was later appointed as Grand Ruth to the State of Colorado. Claudene was active with the Rainbow Girls Chapter serving as Mother Advisor, mentoring young girls. Her activities in Eastern Star took her to almost every state in the nation as well as Europe and Australia. Claudene treasured her Eastern star friendships more than most people realized.

Claudene's extended family was always dear to her heart. The memories with her Mom and Dad, two sisters, brother, and their spouses and kids were always cherished. Holidays at the farm, going to different homes for Thanksgiving or Christmas and family Reunions were highlights of her memories.

Claudene is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Darrell; and grandson, Grant Richards.

She is survived by her son, Randall and wife, Nancy; grandson, Christopher Lee of Fort Collins; step grandson, Billy Richard and wife, Erin; great grandson, Felix; great granddaughters, Delilah and Autumn of Colorado Springs; daughter, Shelly and husband, Rick Richards of Overland Park, Kansas; granddaughters, Alix of Ft. Collins and Korbin of Ithaca, New York; sister, Nelda Schrepfer and husband, John of Green River Wyoming; brother, Don Hansen and wife, Edie of Wilson, Kansas; sister, Joni Law and husband E.D. of Kingston, Oklahoma and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at Henderson Community Church, 120001 Oakland St., Henderson, CO. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Henderson Community Church.