Sylva Irene Rayburn, of Pine Ridge, went to be with Jesus on June 14, 2013. She was 86.
Born Dec. 23, 1926, to Rena and Elwin Sanders, she lived most of her life in Ohio and Michigan, where she attended Bible college.
She moved to Pagosa Springs in 2000. She enjoyed Bible study, yard sales and thrift shops, but most of all she loved her children and grandchildren. They are her legacy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and six brothers and sisters. She is survived by her sisters, Laura (Ed) Eglinsdoerfer, Pat Sanders, and Beulah Bennett, and brother Leon Sanders, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She also leaves her five children: Glen (Pam) Rayburn and Gerry (Adelyda) Rayburn of Pagosa Springs, Beth (Tony) Baca of Farmington, N.M., Lola Rayburn of Las Vegas, N.M. and Roberta (Dave) Baker of Calcutta, Ohio. There are 18 grandchildren: Roger Gnagey, Cory Gnagey, Tara Baca, Nicole Wanket, Ember Mitchell, Tasha Rayburn, Jessica Rayburn, Rachael Rayburn, Geri Rayburn, Heather Rayburn, Guy Gibbons, Gerry Rayburn, Mary Rayburn, Christopher Thomas, Shane Thomas, Courtney Kelly, Chloe Baker and Jesse Baker. There are also seventeen great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her special friend, John Sherwood.
A celebration of her life will be held July 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the First Assembly of God in Pagosa Springs.
