Leona Matilda Rye

Leona Matilda Rye of Woodinville, WA was born Leona Alexanderson on April 26, 1935 in Monango, North Dakota. Her parents were Julius Caesar Alexanderson and Beulah Stewart. Leona passed away peacefully shortly after her 88th birthday on May 27, 2023.

Leona moved to Wenatchee when she was 13 years old. Her family decided the weather in North Dakota was too harsh so they moved to West. Leona was educated in Wenatchee and excelled in homemaking. Leona was first married when she was 15 years old and during this marriage she had  Russell Rye.

In 1955 Leona moved to Seattle to find work. She found out that there was a Nanny job on Bainbridge Island. So young Leona and a little Russell boarded a large ferry boat to Bainbridge Island- to become a Nanny.

On a Friday evening, she joined friends at a restaurant named the Terrace. There she met Merle Rye, while talking to the bartender, who was Merle’s sister Eileen. Merle was smitten with Leona and she with him.

In 1956 Merle and Leona were married at the Port Madison Lutheran Church. They were married for 59 years!

In 1958 Melody Rye was born. Both Russell and Melody were raised on Bainbridge Island.

Melody married David Swanson, and they gave Leona and Merle 3 Grandchildren, Craig, Brian and Brittany Swanson. Merle and Leona coveted their Grandchildren.

Merle passed away in 2015. Leona moved into Melody and David’s Woodinville home and she lived there until she passed away.

Leona loved to win! And win she did. Her favorite pastime was a visit to a casino. Her last outing was March 16th with her family at a local casino where of course, she won more than anyone else and she was paid her last jackpot.

Leona leaves behind, her son Russell Rye of Kingston, her daughter Melody Swanson of Woodinville, 3 Grandchildren, Craig Swanson of Snohomish, Brian and Karina Swanson of Marysville, Brittany Swanson of Woodinville as well as 4 Great Grandchildren, Owen, Sophia, Violet and Sterling Swanson(s).

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.