With hearts full of love and eyes lifted to the heavens, we bid a tender farewell to Risë Hardesty, who was called home on March 19, 2024. Born Risë Marlene Snyder to Marvin and Veda (née Morris) Snyder on a spring day on May 19, 1948, Risë’s life blossomed with the beauty of faith, hope, and love.
Risë’s love story with Michael Hardesty began in high school and grew into a testament of enduring love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:7-8, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” Their sacred bond, cherished and nurtured from youth to Michael’s passing, was a reflection of divine grace.
As a mother, Risë embodied the virtues of Proverbs 31, guiding her children, Kathleen (née Hardesty) Effan, Daniel Hardesty and his wife Diamer “Didi” (née Puig) Hardesty, and M. Bryan Hardesty and his wife Jenifer (née Sterling) Hardesty, with wisdom and kindness. Her love, a firm foundation for her family, will continue to guide them through each stage of life.
The branches of Risë’s family tree extended to her beloved grandchildren, who brought joy and laughter to her days. Kathy’s children, Alyssa (née Effan) Murchie and her husband Joshua, along with their little ones Amelia and Charlotte, Thomas Effan and his wife, Lindsay (née Dawkins), with their bundle of blessings Oliver, and Margot and William Effan, each held a special place in her heart. Daniel and Didi’s children, Carlos, Armando, and Marina, added to the chorus of love, as did Bryan and Jenifer’s two precious ones Alex and Ethan, each a reflection of Risë’s enduring legacy.
As a sister, she was survived by her sister Diana (née Snyder) Wright, and her husband, Charles Wright.
She was preceded by her elder sister Janet Snyder and her late husband, Eddie Akins, and her older brother and sister Herbert Eugene Snyder and Betty Lou (née Snyder) Martin.
Risë’s friendship was a sheltering tree, under which many found refuge and solace. Her life, a living example of Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted,” brought strength to those around her. Her legacy of compassion and fellowship will echo through the generations.
In Revelation 21:4, we are promised, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” With this promise, we know that Risë rests in the eternal embrace of our Lord.
A time of reflection and remembrance will be Friday, March 22nd from 10:00 am – noon, at Old Mission-Heritage Funeral Home, in Hutchinson, KS. That will be followed by a graveside service to honor Risë’s life at Fairlawn Cemetery in Hutchinson, KS.
We welcome all who have been graced by her presence to join us in celebrating her journey to everlasting peace.