Lana Denise Rister

I worked with Lana at First National Bank. What a prankster. I will always remember her laughing so hard that she started snorting. She will be missed.

Although I have a degree in journalism, for days I have struggled for the right words here, feeling the need to express my sadness. So, please overlook my errors in grammar or some unpolished awkwardness as you read through these thoughts. They are hitting the canvas for the first time as I attempt to draw a sad, heartfelt picture…. As it has been for so many, Lana’s passing has been tough to accept, tough to admit she’s gone. And the crying. Ugh. I’m not too big a man to admit I’ve done my fair share these last few weeks. Whenever I think I can’t possibly cry any more, here they come again. And, selfishly, I’m not even crying for Lana. I’m crying for me. For a guy who picks his friends carefully – quality over quantity – I just lost one … and that hurts deeply, like few things can. In my life, I have gravitated toward people who are easygoing, to those where it’s not a struggle to enjoy their company. Simply put, life is too brief to embrace the difficult. With Lana, there was never a question about letting her in and keeping her there. For some undefined reason, it warmed my heart to make her laugh, or to see her flash those beautiful, pearly white teeth in a big, knowing smile. Our friendship was warm and relaxed, uncomplex and funny, enjoyable and loving. These are the memories I choose to keep. Not those difficult final days…. I don’t know when or how it began, but during our goodbyes we always told each other, “Love you,” followed by a kiss on the cheek and the best, biggest hug anyone has probably ever given me. Wrapping those long arms around me and squeezing so tight, amazed, I always said to myself, “Wow. This person really DOES love me.” I hope she always felt the same way. I would feel ashamed if she missed such an important sentiment from me. There are only a few, true honors in this world, but one came for me when her family asked if I would help bear her casket, to let me serve my friend in one last, small gesture of strength. As honored as I was

Lana has been my best friend since the age of 15. We met when we worked together at Ponderosa and later found out we had many of the same interests. We played basketball against each other in high school, in fact we had the same number, 15 and we loved the game. Whenever our two teams played, we both ended up fouling out. She has always been an inspiration to me. My heart is broken but take comfort in the fact that I will see her again. Lana will truely be missed.

Lana was a great person whose smile and attitude about doing her job was a rarity. Even when she had to do hours of intense work printing tax bills she took real pride in her part of the whole process. She could always be relied on to solve problems much above her paygrade. Her passing leaves everyone in the Treasurer's office with a sincere sense of loss that Lana won't be there to help in our times of need. She will be missed. May here family and friends take comfort in their memory of Lana's love of life.

Lana was one of the best friends I have ever had. It is hard to describe in a few words all the fun we had at work and all the trouble she helped me get into. The gummy bears on my phone reciever, calling me and hanging up until I called to say my phone was not working properly,always taping my drawers and phone down when I was gone a day. The list will go on and on. I still have the coal she insisted Santa left for me and I gave it to her every year but it was always back in my sock the next year. Well this year she will get it back somehow. You will be missed every time the rest of us get together. Keri did get married without you and she missed you.

"But as I have told you, you can see me and still you do not believe. I will certainly not reject anyone who comes to me, because I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but to do the will of him who sent me. Now the will of him who sent me is that I should lose nothing of all that he has given to me, but that I should raise it up on the last day. It is my Father's will that whoever sees the Son and Believes in him should have ETERNAL LIFE, AND THAT I SHOULD RAISE THAT PERSON UP ON THE LAST DAY." Forever in our hearts. Missing you, Sue

Sorry we can't make it to the wake or the funeral. Our prayers are with you. She was a wonderful cousin and a very loving person. She will always be in out hearts.

Lana, you were a wonderful, dedicated, loving Mom and a part of you lives on through your children. I know you will watch over them from Heaven. You've left a footprint on many hearts and I'm so thankful to have known you as a friend.

You will be missed.

Anything I want to say is impossible to put into words, but I love you and I miss you. Thank you for always being an amazing aunt and person, and thank you for always making me laugh and smile.

You will be very missed. You were the kindest and gentlest soul. Your love for your children and family was evident in everything you did. Thank you for loving my daughter, Meghan, she misses you so much. Rest in peace, Lana.

I don't know what to say, so I'll leave it at this: I love you, Mom. And I miss you more than words can express.

I worked across the hall from Lana for several years, and spoke to her often out on breaks. She was well liked. My thoughts and prayers to your family during this very difficult time.