Born in Georgetown, Texas to Naomi and Will Ryden on March 14, 1937, Lanette graduated from McCallum High School and attended The University of Texas in Austin.
Lanette was married to the love of her life, Jerry L. Andrews, for 64 years. They resided in Dallas since 1960. In addition to her husband, Lanette is survived by daughters: Vicki and husband Bill Wait; Keri and husband Dr. Greg Lutke; sister Elvera and husband Leonard Johnson; granddaughters Meredith and husband Craig Biery, Kathryn Makenzie and husband Clark Mitzner; great grandsons William Barrett and Walker Andrews Biery; numerous nephews and nieces; and friends.
Lanette was preceded in death by parents as well as her brothers Charles, Norman and James Ryden; sister Nelda Starkey; granddaughter Natalie Wait; and nephews Wayne and Mike Johnson.
Blessed with a gift of music, Lanette began her career at age 13 playing the piano and organ for the First Free Evangelical Church in Austin. She worked in Austin for the State of Texas House of Representatives, The University of Texas Board of Regents and later at El Centro Community College in Dallas as a secretary. For several years, she taught piano and worked Gift Markets at the World Trade Center.
Lanette was an avid tennis player, enjoying years of doubles play in Women’s Tennis Leagues at Brookhaven and Bent Tree Country Clubs. Her other hobbies included bridge, golf, water skiing, gardening, decorating and traveling. She was a long-time member of the Northwood Women’s Club and volunteered extensively at CONTACT.
Most of all, Lanette loved spending time with her family and friends. She will be dearly missed.
The family would like to thank Lanette’s caregiver Harriet Elolo.
Memorial Service will be Thursday, November 21, at 2 p.m. at Sparkman Funeral Home, 1029 S. Greenville Avenue in Richardson with Pastor Sam Dennis officiating.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to a charity of choice.
