Tyler Michelle Rhinehardt

Tyler Michelle Rhinehardt was born in Carollton, Texas on January 28, 1991. Beautiful as a child, with the sweet smile of an angel, she grew into a lovely and insightful young woman. In 2009, she graduated from Hyde Park Baptist High School where she met lasting friendships, deepened her faith in God, and showcased her talent, grace, and agility with various dance troupes. Her passion for dance continued throughout her life and she brought joy to all who saw her perform.

Tyler continued her education at Texas A&M University where she graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. While attending Texas A&M, she trained as a peer counselor and discovered a unique talent for listening and providing thoughtful guidance to those in crisis or in need.

After college graduation, Tyler’s impressive academic achievement led her to a challenging and rewarding position with the University of Texas at Dallas in the Cognitive Neuroscience of Addictive Behaviors lab. She recently returned to her hometown of Austin, Texas where she was applying to Ph.D. programs and enjoying time with friends and family.

As Erica’s only child, Tyler shared an extraordinary bond with her mother, whose devotion to Tyler was endless and her love for her eternal. To Erica, being a part of Tyler’s life and watching her grow into a mature and responsible adult was one of her greatest blessings and brought her immeasurable happiness. Tyler was preceded in death by her ever-present and dedicated father, Michael Christopher Rhinehardt.

To cherish her beautiful spirit, Tyler leaves her mother, Erica Diane Ross; maternal grandparents, Ann and Winston Ross, Jr.; paternal grandparents, Catherine Walker, and James Rhinehardt, Jr.; brothers, Michael Christopher Rhinehardt, II, Anthony Luna, and Isaiah Johnson. Tyler also leaves two uncles, Winston Ross, III, (wife-Heather, children-Winston, Ryan, and Roman) and James Rhinehardt, III, (children-Miriam, Jay, Gabrielle, Jeremiah, and Samuel). Sara Johnson (former wife of Tyler’s father) and her family; and lifelong best friends, Hannah Gaylord and Avery Aspy, are among the many lives that Tyler touched and in whose hearts she will always dwell.