Raymond Leroy Drake lived a full 94 years before he passed quietly into the hands of Jesus and rejoined his lifetime companion and sweetheart, Ruth on April 18, 2009. A devout Christian and decorated World War II veteran he lived as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be remembered fondly in his community as the smiling person who told every one he met to “Have a beautiful day with Jesus!”

Born on September 10, 1914, he grew up in Iowa. He graduated valedictorian of his class of 1932. Ray spent most of his adult years in the Midwest. In Iowa, he and his wife led many Lay Witness Missions in the United Methodist Church and saw many come to the Lord Jesus. He also owned the “Open Book” – a Christian bookstore until he moved to Cedar City, Utah in 1994 to be close to his son and family.

His expertise was the mechanics of radio and, from its inception television. In WWII, he was awarded a bronze star and was with the 134 division when they freed Italy. Radio and television was his profession in civilian life. He had an electronics shop on Main Street and had the first television set in their town. He and Ruth’s dream came true when they were able to travel to Africa to spend a month in the bush villages with their daughter Peggy who has been a missionary nurse there since 1980.

Raymond and Ruth were the parents of two children, Peggy Drake – a
missionary nurse in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and Lin (Debbie) Drake – a general contractor in Cedar City, Utah. They have two grandchildren – Travis (Rachel) Drake of Mooresville, NC, and Katie (Graydon) Meeks of Daytona Beach, FL.

We all wonder what will be the lasting impression
that he will leave behind – to all who knew Raymond,
it will be – “Have a beautiful day with Jesus.”

Skye Durant – What she left me

Skye was always there… just always there for me, for everyone when they needed something.  She was there for me when I needed a friend, she was there for me when I needed to cry, she was there for me when I needed to leave, to run, to play, to stay, to love, to laugh, to grow, to fight, to just sit and be in peace… she was there.

Skye has left me a legacy; she has left with me a part of her heart that I will never loose.  Years ago she planted something so deep inside of me that no matter either of our futures we will always be together.  I also know that with her right now is a piece of my heart that will always for eternity be with her. Along with many other pieces of hearts of people she has touched.Skye lived her life to have fun and to love with all her heart.  Skye was not one to follow in any ones footsteps – instead she created her own path, in her own unique way – where others followed her.  Skye was one of my best friends, at many times in my life she was my rock – just has she has been to her family; and just has she will continue to be the rock even as she has passed. Skye has left a legacy that will continue not only in my heart but in the hearts of all that knew her.  Skye’s smile was contagious – when she laughed, everyone laughed. Her free spirit and encouragement to live life to the fullest has always been an inspiration in my life and will continue with me forever.

Skye was fighter, a fighter that taught us to fight with our hearts – to old on to what is important, to love our friends and family to the fullest.

Skye always made sure I was taken care of – we took care of each other.  Skye would stop at no means to be there for her friends when they needed her, one call, one look, one tone in my voice is all it took for her to reach out and be there for whatever it was I needed.  She had a way to know… to just know when I needed her – even when I didn’t even know it.  She loved with all her heart and wanted the best for everyone around her.Skye was true to God, true to her fellowship of her church family.  This part of her life was true and sincere to her and it shows. Skye wasn’t the person to show up late, sit in the back row and leave early, she put her soul into whatever she did and when she gave, she gave her heart… and she did this often.

Skye was an amazing mother – she loves her kids more than anything.  The life that she provided for her family, for her kids was an example I would follow.  She left an amazing family behind that was amazing because of her – she was the rock, the foundation and the center of their world and they wouldn’t be who they are today if it wasn’t for what she brought to their lives.

If there was one lesson that she left behind in her legacy that she showed every day in her life was to GIVE.  Skye gave so much, she was a giver and she was my first friend that truly gave her heart and soul to me, and I watched her as she gave her heart and soul to Ryan and then to her kids.  She would have done anything she could for her friends and family.Skye left with me a part of her. In 2 weeks I am getting married and she will be there with me, when I have kids and as I grow, she will be there with me.  She remains a rock, remains by my side as I continue my journey here on earth.  Love and friendship is what Skye left with me.

Skye was many different things to many different people. A wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a niece, a co-worker, a volunteer, a fellow Christian . . . To me, Skye was a best friend. Our friendship was the most meaningful one of my life. Once I got to know Skye, I couldn’t remember what my life had been like without her. She fit in so seamlessly. Skye was such a blessing to me that I sometimes thought that I had encountered an angel. I usually didn’t allow myself to dwell on that thought for very long, though. First, because I knew better than to believe that she was on this earth just for me. And second, in my mind, if God had sent an angel, it necessarily meant that He would take her away. Maybe she was an angel after all.

Skye was as quick to laugh, as she was to be a shoulder to cry on. She was supportive and encouraging. Looking back, she rarely came to me with any complaints, but always listened to mine, whether it be over a cup of coffee or a frantic phone call during the middle of a workday. She was enthusiastic about everything and always helped where she could. Skye could always be counted on to fill-in as a Sunday school teacher or head up Vacation Bible School. She was extremely active in this church. Skye was neither self-serving nor self-centered; and spent the majority of her time caring for those around her. She was a woman whose unwavering Faith guided her every decision. Skye was a good person.

When it became evident that Skye’s cancer was terminal, she and I started having some serious discussions about death. As many of you probably know, Skye’s beloved grandmother, Mearl, passed away 2 years and one week before Skye. Mearl was so dear to Skye that I’m honestly surprised that she lasted beyond that anniversary. Skye told me that about 6 months prior to her grandmother’s death, she felt compelled to write her a letter so that her grandmother would know just how much she meant to her. As the story goes, Skye was in the shower when she was suddenly overcome with a feeling that she needed to sit down and write this letter. So, with shampoo in her hair and sopping wet, she stepped out of the shower and wrote. She sent the letter to Mearl and then read it aloud at her funeral service.

In light of her situation, I kind of took this as a hint. About two weeks ago, I sat down and wrote my own letter to Skye. I didn’t have 6 months between writing the letter and Skye’s passing as she’d had with her grandmother, but I’m glad for that. I came to know Skye in a whole new way during her illness and I wouldn’t have wanted to write this 6 months ago without that knowledge. Following suit, I want to read my letter for all of you today so that you might know Skye better as a friend, and so that she can hear it one more time - because I know she’s listening to us today.

Dear Skye,

You may immediately recognize this as “the letter.” When you told me the story of the letter you wrote to your grandmother when her death was imminent, I took it less as an anecdote and more as an invitation to do the same for you. So here it is.

Only four months my senior, you often act as I imagine an older sister would: loving, protective, and omniscient. When I complained to you about my incessant toothache recently, you told me I needed to take some time for myself and get to the dentist. A month later, when I still hadn’t made an appointment, you asked, “Haven’t you seen the dentist yet?” And, finally, when the situation was resolved, your words were, “I told you that you should have seen the dentist sooner.” You were right and you made me laugh about it at the same time.

When I found out I was pregnant with Matthew, Jim and I made a lot of phone calls to friends and family. I even sent a few e-mails spreading the word. But, I waited and waited so anxiously until you and I had the chance to sit down together so that I could tell you my exciting news in person. I thought you were going to fall out of your chair when I told you! And when everyone else was thinking I was crazy for having four kids, you knew there was nothing more that I wanted in my life.

I was so touched a few months later when you shared the news of Landry with me in the same way. To tell you the truth, though, I knew you were pregnant before you said a word about it. I could just tell. I wish we could take care of our babies together as we had planned. Landry is a special little girl, Skye. She has many of your features. Hopefully she and Matthew will grow up to be good friends. I will look forward to the opportunities to tell her all about you.

We’ve shared plenty of fun times, too. I will think of you every time I make a cake for one of our children, or bake anything for that matter. I will never remember just how much Carolina Blonde we drank at that Panthers game, but I will never forget how much fun we had doing it. I will always treasure our shopping trips and laughing and chatting it up over a cup of coffee. I will happily recall gushing over the details of our sisters’ weddings together and celebrating with one another when we became aunts right around the same time.

You support me in all my endeavors and are always there to help me pull my foot out of my mouth, which happens more frequently than I care to admit. You are my sounding board and the person who keeps me grounded. You warn me when you think I’m spreading myself too thin and all at once encourage me to be more active in the things that matter. You are inspiring in how much of God’s work you take on and you’ve really helped give me direction in that way.

Even when you learned you were ill, you still took time to be a friend to me. You threw my baby shower just a week after you were diagnosed with cancer. You visited me in the hospital and at home when Matthew was born; and rejoiced with me at having another perfect baby. When all I wanted to do was be at your side to comfort you, you were asking how my kids were adjusting to their new sibling and how I was handling everything. You spent hours of your precious time listening to me go on and on about the mundane details of my life; and I will cherish every minute of it.

You are a friend to me in so many ways and I will miss you dearly, Skye. I only hope that I’ve been able to provide some comfort and sense of peace to you during your illness. You’re a strong woman and I know that you fought this battle the best you could. Maybe someday I will understand why God decided to take you now and in this way, but for now it remains a mystery to me.

Do you remember the passages I read to you from “The Last Lecture?” I can’t remember the paragraph verbatim, but there was a question in there to the effect of “What can you say to comfort a dying friend?” The reply was that you could let them know that a piece of you would die with them. Truly, Skye, a piece of me will die, too. And I hate to allow myself even that much self-pity when I know how much your husband and children will suffer in your absence. It’s true though; a little bit of me will go with you.

Your memory will live on in the minds of more people than you can imagine. Your story has touched people farther and wider than you know. You were the first in line to help others when you were well, and as a testament to the life that you lived people came out of the woodwork to help you. I know this has been a very humbling experience for you, but you’ve handled it with absolute grace. When there was nothing obvious to be done for you and your family, people enabled those of us who are close to you to be by your side. Rest assured that we will all be here to help Ryan and your children through your passing.

I’m not sure how to wrap this up except to tell you again that I love you. I don’t think the right words exist to properly say good-bye to a friend; and yet I know that as you read this you can feel what I’m trying to express. I love you, Skye.

Sincerely,

Angela

It was about two years ago when I first met Skye. One of my first memories of her was her big blonde hair, bright blue eyes, and all that energy. I couldn’t help but wonder if she was like that all the time!

As time went on, I came to know the wonderful woman she was. She was great at surprises and making everyone laugh. There were many times when she would give a gift “just because” or we would go to the dollar store and we would pick out the most ridiculous thing to make someone laugh.

Skye was a giver. She always planned evenings for Girl’s Night Out, and even though I didn’t think I’d have fun, or try to get out of it, she always encouraged me to go. She found ways to make every outing special and I always got excited for the next time. That’s one thing I never got to tell her.

“Every day is a celebration” and “Live life to the fullest”, those were her words of wisdom that I live by today and will continue to.

One of my fondest memories of Skye was one day she came to work, sat a pot of purple tulips on my desk and said “Happy six month anniversary!” We laughed so much our sides hurt. I could not believe she remembered the day I came into her life and the day that she came into mine. She was special that way.

But, what I will remember the most, is the way she was always so positive and noticed the smallest things. Being with her only made me a better person. She has taught me many things; among these were “life is a glorious journey” and “sometimes … you just have to stop and listen”.

Skye, thank you for being a friend.

~Lyndsay Brewer~

Hello & Welcome. I am Bruce Haniford and on behalf of Ryan and the family, I would like to thank you for coming today to pay tribute to Skye Durant. I am Skye’s uncle by marriage to her aunt Lynn Schweinhaut and my wife and I are the God Parents of Corbin.

Skye was the first child of Steve and Susan Schweinhaut and was born near Houston, Texas in 1979. Soon after she could speak, my wife tells me that Skye was a very talkative and happy child, showing a highly sensitive side as well. After I met my wife and we began to court, I loved to listen to her stories about Skye and her sister Annie and how much Lynn and her sister Debbie loved their nieces and I looked forward to meeting them both.

I remember the first time I met Skye and her sister Annie and the joy she and Annie brought to my wife and I, when they visited us in California. Once while visiting as teenage girls, I can still remember Skye giggling in the back seat of our car as she teased Annie about a potential boyfriend’s interest back home as we drove to lunch. She simply “had the ‘it’ factor”. She could light up a room with her smile or her laughter. I never met someone who really didn’t like Skye, only those who wanted to be around her more.

I would like to tell you that Skye’s life was perfect, but as with most of us, it was not. There were challenges to be sure, and perhaps that contributed to what made her so loveable. She endured circumstances that were placed upon her by others and she also endured her own circumstances which she unfortunately created for herself, but it seemed that Skye could always put a happy face on things, seeing a future for herself in which her goals and her dreams would be realized and not blaming others when things did not work out.

Ryan, it brings me great pleasure to tell you that when you came along, Skye changed instantly from a “struggling single mother” trying to find herself both professionally and spiritually, to a joyful and fulfilled women. We all shared in her happiness. We remember her joy during her pregnancies and when she went back and completed her education and when she became a Christian thanks to council from her Grandpa Henry and when she was selected to a property manager trainee program in Las Vegas.

For those of you who knew Skye well, yes there were the periods of non-communication when Skye would avoid inevitable conversations about that which troubled her by avoiding the people she loved, but these temporary disruptions in communication with her only endeared her to us more as we fought hard to assist her with her challenges, not wanting her to bare these burdens by herself.

I am sure we all share in this tragic loss wondering why Skye and why someone so young and with three young children and a loving husband had to go? With all the mayhem we read and hear about in the media every day, surely there were better candidates to take than Skye. Unfortunately there are no answers to these questions and that is why we must rely on our faith in God, just as Skye had faith her life would measure up to her expectations.

Jesus prepared us for this dilemma, when his disciples tried to understand who would go to heaven at Mark 10:27 and Jesus tells his disciples “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God”. He continues to explain about heaven in John 14:1-4 “Let not your hearts be troubled ….for my father’s house has many rooms”. And when a woman requested a seat in heaven for each of her two sons on either side of Jesus at Matthew 20:23, Jesus replies “….but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” So we don’t exactly know what heaven is all about, but one thing we can be sure of….one of the newest residents there today is Skye Durant.

Recently during a week Skye spent with us at our home after her trip to Mexico to seek treatment, her condition began to turn for the worse and Skye sensing the end was near uttered some of most self revealing and profound words I have ever had the honor to receive. She said in one conversation and I quote: “Every time in my life when I was just at the point of putting everything into place for my own happiness, something bad happened. Finding out I had cancer was the hardest of these to accept.” What makes this comment so provocative is that Skye stayed true to her style of blaming no one for her demise……not even God. The author of the song “You Raise Me Up” said it best:

When I am down and oh my soul so weary

When trouble comes and my heart burdened be

Then I am still and wait here in the silence

Until you come and sit awhile with me

God sent an angel to us in Skye and although we will never know exactly her mission, we have glimpses of how God has used Skye to open our eyes to God’s work. He has taken her home, but now he expects us to complete her work.

On that theme, I recall the familiar words that Abraham Lincoln delivered at Gettysburg near the end of the Civil War. On November 19, 1863, after a two hour speech by a gifted orator named Edward Everett, President Lincoln, who was there to dedicate the battlefield slowly rose to his feet for a brief speech of just 269 words which took barely 2 minutes to deliver and many there would not know what he actually said until they read about it in the newspapers over the following days for there were no microphones and most had not taken their seats again after the long prior speech. He said in part:

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work, which they have thus far so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion….

When Skye realized she was likely to lose her life to this disease, it was clear she was prepared to give her life wishing her children and her husband to be happy in the future. The unfinished work that Lincoln spoke about near the end of the Civil War seems appropriate here today as well. Skye would have wanted us to be loving Parents, loving Grand Parents, loving Sisters and Brothers, loving Aunts and Uncles, loving God Parents, loving Sons and Daughters and loving Friends. She would have wanted us to pull together to help Ryan and the kids and lastly and perhaps most importantly, she would have wanted us to honor her request for her immediate family to remain intact, bothers and sister under one roof.

We therefore must be dedicated to the great task that remains before all of us……that we take increased devotion to the cause for which Skye gave her last full measure of devotion….To be kind, to be considerate and to love one another as she loved her children, her husband and all of us.

Skye planted seeds in us; and it is up to us whether we will allow these seeds to germinate in the good soils within ourselves and live with us throughout the rest of eternity; or merely have her as a fond, but fleeting secular memory.

As with any of you, if I could have given her one of my years, one of my months, one of my weeks, one of my days or even one of my minutes or seconds, I would have gladly done so just to have had Skye with us for a little more time; but that was not to be.

So as President Lincoln indicated: “The world will little note nor long remember what we say here today, but we can never forget what Skye did while she was here.” She served God to the best of her ability touching us all and we shall miss her, but we take joy in knowing her spirit will be with us the rest of our days both here on earth and in heaven!

I thank you for giving me the honor of speaking about Skye to you today.