Gaye Mercer Ryavec

Gaye Ryavec was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who embraced all children and appreciated all the people who shared their children with her over the years. Born in High Point, NC in 1926, she lived most of her life in Santa Monica, CA with her husband of almost 60 years, Ernest, who passed in 2009. She was an avid reader, crossword puzzle solver, and gardener of roses, epiphyllums, and orchids and greatly enjoyed sharing her flowers with others. Indeed, she described herself as the “crazy” woman who went around at 11:00 at night inviting neighbors to come and view her spectacular epiphyllums, which bloom only once a year. She will also be remembered for her grace, warmth, and her love of family gatherings and Christmastime. Of all the accomplishments in her life, she was most proud of her six children: Charles, Carole, Mark, Steven, Lisa and Janice. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Laurie Ryavec, her son-in-law Arn Goranson, grandchildren Kevin Ryavec, Nicole Ranganath, Terry Nakamura, Mischa Coben, Ilana Goranson and Sonja Goranson; great-grandchildren Mira Ranganath, Ariana Coben, Annabelle Coben; and cousins Wolfgang and Cristina Schmidt and their daughter Dorthy. Viewing from 6 to 8pm on Friday, May 31st. Service at 10am Saturday, June 1st. Both at Pierce Brothers Westwood Mortuary, 1218 Glendon Ave., Los Angelas, CA 90024. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Gaye’s favorite charity, St. Joseph’s Indian School, P.O. Box 300, Chamberlain, SD 57325.