Patricia Ruth Rhines passed away Monday, January 28, 2019, at the age of 58. Patty was born on March 7, 1960, in Greenville, Michigan, the daughter of Robert and Florence (Bruner) Ridley. Surviving Patty are her husband of 40 years, Jerald Rhines; sons, Michael and Daniel and his wife, Amy Rhines; grandchildren, Vandalia, Elijah, Abraham, and Isaac Rhines; sisters, Mary (Cleo) Tucker, Paula (Ronald) Rhines, Cindy (Kenneth) Reed, Jacklyn Feighner; and brother-in-law, Jerry Cruson. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Karen Brumley and Sandy Cruson.
Patty was a dedicated Christian and, along with her husband, Jerry, founded Faith House Ministries. She was a regular speaker at churches and conferences throughout the Lansing area. Patty studied missionary work at the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii, and made many mission trips, including Ukraine, Russian and Guatemala. Her door was always open to those in need of a place to call home for a period of time. Very much a visionary, Patty saw the possibilities to make things better and taught those around her to see the good in others, and to call it forth in their lives.
Patty loved writing and was especially proud of having a published poem. She enjoyed cooking, baking and canning. She baked bread from scratch and picked apples to make cider and applesauce.
Family was very important to Patty and she worked hard to host her extended family several times every year. She loved spending time with her grandkids and gardening, especially her flower beds. Patty loved bargain hunting and garage sales, and was continually working on home improvement projects. Patty's most recent position at Blue Cross Blue Shield was a blessing that provided her and her family with tremendous support during her battle with cancer.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 16th at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes Williamston Chapel with visitation from 9:00 until service time. Memorial Contributions are suggested to Heifer International. www.heifer.org
