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BRAINERD - Rennette Alise Ritchie, of Brainerd, Minn., died Thursday, August 4, at the age of 51 after facing terminal cancer for 16 months. She was a very brave woman and carried the burden of incurable illness with elegance and humor.

She was most proud to be a committed wife and selfless mother; her husband, Mark, and girls, Alissa and Beth, now live on as her legacy. True friendship came naturally to Rennette and she deeply impacted many, many lives. Her honesty and love for fun were two of her most notable charms. Vibrant, endearing, animated and empathetic are words that describe her well. She loved how children saw the world and had many young friends bring joy to her life. Her love for travel was born out of her excitement to explore heaven and she savored enlightening experiences, like snorkeling or hiking, as a mirror that reflected God's beauty. Rennette had peace through Jesus during her last days and had comforting visions of her Abba Father. She considered her dying experience to be her last great act of faith.

She is survived by her husband, Mark, daughters, Alissa Eiesland (son-in-law Nathan Eiesland) and Beth Ritchie, sister, JoVonne Mathiesen, brother, Brian Petry, and parents, Don Petry and Joanne Shultz.

A memorial service was held at Lakewood, in Baxter, Minn., on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011. Memorials can be made out to Timber Bay Camp and will be used to build a timber-frame structure; the Ritchie's want struggling teens to be a meaningful part of constructing this memorial building, honoring both Rennette's life and their own personal growth.

Please visit www.brenny.com to leave a message of comfort and support for Rennette's family.

Brenny Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements.

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