Ryks, Laurie Elizabeth “Liz”

Age 59 of Farmington. Died very unexpectedly in her sleep on April 20. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Rob”; her daughter, Rhiannon; mother, Mary Orr; and her two brothers, James Orr and Rhidian Orr and their families.

Elizabeth was born in Cardiff, S. Wales to Dr. Ernest W. and Mary Orr (nee Williams) on August 23, 1961. She married Robert Ryks at the House of Hope in St. Paul in 1989. They were blessed by the birth of their daughter, Rhiannon Claire, in 1997.

Liz moved from Wales to Minnesota with her family in June 1963 and attended Breck School Minneapolis, kindergarten through grade 6. When Breck moved she moved to SPA, where she enjoyed swimming, soccer, tennis, and coaching the wrestling team. She also played the clarinet in a school orchestra.

Most of all, she loved riding and caring for her beloved horse, Charlie. After graduation from SPA in 1979, she attended St. Godric’s Secretarial and Business College in London before entering the U of M. Ultimately she received a nursing degree from Hennepin Technical College, and worked as a nurse at Park Nicollet, in Burnsville & subsequently at her favorite job as a school nurse at Farmington High School.

Elizabeth’s deep love of animals was shared by Rhiannon, and they have volunteered and worked with all creatures great & small for many years.

Memorials preferred to the Humane Society of Minnesota.

The Service and reception will be held on May 15th in St. Paul. Due to covid restrictions the service and reception will be limited. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to: elizabethryksmemorial@yahoo.com or leave a voice mail on 720-770-1714.