Emily R. Ringlien

On December 13, Emily Rae Ringlien left the world to take her place among the moon and stars.

She was born August 23, 1953, in Whitehall, the eldest child of Gloria and Dennis Peterson. Throughout her life, Emily marched to the beat of her own tambourine and danced in all the kitchens she cooked in. She was a tireless adventurer, a dream chaser, leaving footprints on beaches from Alaska to the Caribbean, creating campfire memories from New Mexico to Lake Superior. If there was a longhaired rocker playing anywhere nearby, she’d be there! A lifelong learner and avid reader, she never shied away from a game of scrabble or trivial pursuit. While she never missed a chance to play in the ocean, it was those deep purple hues of the Great Smoky Mountains that called her time and time again.

Emily spent her working life as a dedicated registered nurse, working in home health, intensive care and emergency rooms. She cared deeply about her patients and those she worked alongside. In stints away from the bedside, she sought out river boats and home restoration to fill her working hours.

Emily is survived by many, including her five children: Andrew Hoyer, Amanda Haskins, Melissa Ringlien (Doug Herring), Karleigh Ringlien (Frank Busch) and Joshua Larson (Mary Larson); 17 grandchildren; one great-grandson; her brother, John Peterson; and her niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her infant brother, Daniel; and sister-in-law, Casey.

Let’s remember Emily for the free spirit she was — our rock-n-roll, Harley gypsy who sailed the seas and danced her way through life. So, throw on some tunes, look up to the cosmos, and blow her some bubbles. May her spirit forever twirl with the stars, and may she be at peace near her parents up in that big expanse above. Sail on, sweet Mama Bear.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a date yet decided. Please contact Emily’s children for additional information.