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Phyllis Riise Obituary
Phyllis Anne Riise born August 13, 1916 passed March 13, 2013. She left us to join her beloved husband of 55 years Henry Norman Riise who preceded her passing by 17 years. This humble notification comes with extreme reverence to not only our mother but also our father and oldest sibling, Norman Paul Riise. All three are in grace. The end is the beginning and the beginning is the end. Please explore mom's world at Washelli.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Riise
April 17, 2014
I remember Mrs. Riise from my youth. But I also had the pleasure of seeing her when I was much older and working flu clinics where she was living. I was hoping I would see her since I knew through her sister where she was living and would get updates from time to time on how she was doing.
To my surprise, we both recognized each other and were able to have a hug and a short visit. I reminded her how much I thought of her daughter and hoped we could reconnect at some point.I'm glad that the last time I saw her she was happy and smiling and that is how I will remember her.
I'am grateful for Mrs. Riise having brought into this world such a wonderful; loving and caring human being,her daughter Randi.
Cheryl Anne Stewart-Pepin
December 12, 2013
Dear Mother....I have been missing you so much lately as it is our first Christmas not being with you. I feel so blessed and thankful for the all the Christmas's you, Dad and Santa ;) had for us kids growing up! I know you are with us in spirit all the time but I just wish I could give you a hug and kiss....thanks so much for being such a wonderful mother and best friend. In listening to Christmas music this year, I can still hear and see you playing the piano while we all stood around and sung! All Our Love, Randi, Gary & Kyle oxox
Randi Riise Ciminski
May 11, 2013
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, Mom! Thinking about you so much this weekend, it is the first Mother's Day we have not been together. I have had a couple of very comforting, vivid dreams about you and I feel that your arms around me during difficult times. You were the best mother a daughter could wish for and I thank you for all the wonderful memories growing up. I appreciate them so much more! Love you with all my heart. Love, Randi oxox
Marigail Abinanti
March 27, 2013
Your mother was my Nanny's Ballard neighbor (she was Christine Gaupseth)when I was a little girl. A long time ago!! I remember her well, very kind, soft spoken and very generous to us neighbor kids who would sneak into her back yard and help ourselves to Raspberries. Best wishes to you. Marigail (then Moreland) (now Abinanti)
Cheryl Stewart-Pepin
March 26, 2013
I remember Mrs Riise, of course that is how I referred to her in my youth. I recall times that we were at Randis and getting ready to go to dances and other places. I especially recall the recent times I worked at flu clinics and Mrs Riise, who said I could now call her Phyllis, since I was an adult; came out of the line and came up and gave me a big hug and kiss. It was a wonderful reunion, and huge surprise that she recognized me after so many years. I got home that night and received a call from my mom, that Phyllis had called I think Caryl and from there a message was through another friend and back to my Mom that we had seen each other and she had enjoyed our brief but happy reunion. There are connections in life that seem to be "meant to be." I believe it is so with my friend Randi, since I have also had connections with her wonderful aunt Caryl and cousin Trish through my folks and Decatur Island. My condolences to the Riise family.I know from our talks dear friend Randi, that you were grateful for the loving and devoted mother you had. Always loved, always remembered.
Sue Bull
March 25, 2013
Phyllis was a beautiful friend of my mom's (Josephine Small) through their pal Lucy Borrow. My sister , Julie, and I delighted in sneaking a peak around corners at one of their book clubs when it was at our house and loved even more to spy on the grand Book Club Christmas parties! Phyllis was always such a gracious lady and role model. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss. Sue (Small) Bull
Sue Bull
March 25, 2013
I remember Phyllis as such a lovely gracious woman! She and my mom ( Josephine Small) were friends through Lucy Borrow and the wonderful Book Club in the '50s-70's. Phyllis with Shirley Shrader and Eileen Sharp brought such elegance! My sister, Julie, and I would peek around corners in secret to see the fancy dinners, esp their Christmas Parties!! Visiting Phyllis and Lucy at the Hearthstone later brought back all the old memories of these grand ladies, role models! All my love to the family for their loss! Sue (Small) Bull
Chuck Garrett
March 24, 2013
I remember Phyllis as a kind and generous young mother who provided smiles along with cookies and milk when Norman would bring me home from Loyal Heights Grade School where we attended until the 6th grade. My father and Hank Riise were friends and business associates at the time, and our two families spent at least one vacation at Iron Springs on the Washington coast. I was allergic to cow's milk at the time, and can still remember Phyllis urging me to drink the goat's milk provided for me on that trip. After 63 years or so, the memory has faded, so her success in selling me on the goat's milk is uncertain. What IS certain however, that I have often thought about the Riise family since those days, and especially Phyllis, who will always remain a warm memory in my heart.
Chuck Garrett
Marilyn Miles
March 24, 2013
I used to work in the marketing department of the Hearthstone, and Phyllis always had a smile. She was very gracious always, and I appreciated that for our visitors as well. I'm so sorry to learn that she is gone. You had a wonderful mother and grandmother!
Randi Ciminski
March 24, 2013
It is hard to believe it has been 10 days since you left us. Our hearts are still heavy when we think of your passing and try to help each other focus on uplifting events that we shared with you, dad and Norman. We know that your favorite season was Spring. Just yesterday, we started tilling our soil for your memory garden. In closing, we just want to add
your pain has finally ended and like the budding on our trees, we can see our pain will gradually pass also. Mom we will always be grateful that you waited until I healed well enough to travel so we could say good-bye. God Bless You, Love always, Randi, Gary & Kyle oxox
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