June 1, 1925 ~ May 3, 2013
Leona “Boots” Rybak, of Essexville, our beloved sister, aunt and friend was born into eternal life on the early morning of Friday, May 3, 2013 at McLaren Bay Region, age 87.
Boots was born on June 1, 1925 in Essexville, the daughter of the late James and Nellie (Solinski) Walraven. In 1955, Boots married the love of her life, Gene Rybak, who preceded her in death in 1989. She worked for many years at the family fruit market and on the family farm. Boots also enjoyed being around kids, flowers, sitting in the sunshine and following the Detroit Tigers.
Boots is survived by her sister, Geraldine King of Bay City; brother, William and wife, Marlene Walraven of Harrison; sisters-in-law, Viola Walraven of Escanaba, Phyllis Walraven of Essexville and Dorothy Rybak of Bay City. She was the loving aunt to several nieces and nephews and will be dearly missed.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Boots was preceded in death by her brothers, Edward, Tony, Alex “A.J.” and James Walraven; sister-in-law, Helen Walraven, along with her brother-in-law, Robert King.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Boots’ Memorial Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 1503 Kosciuszko Ave. Fr. Rick Filary will officiate with inurnment to follow in St. Patrick Cemetery. Members of the Rosary Altar Society will pray the Rosary shortly after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday in church. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks for the compassionate care provided by Bay Medical Care Facility and the staff of the I.C.U. at McLaren Bay Region. In memory of Boots, memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family.
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