Mrs. Candi-Jo Van Ryn of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. Jason “Jake” Van Ryn, and beloved mother of Jo-Lynn and Jaiden Kenney, passed away in Coaldale on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at the age of 40 years.

Candi-Jo was born in Magrath, Alberta where a love for the farm and country living began. She moved to Kerrville, Texas where she completed her secondary school, had her babies and entered the medical field. After some time, she moved back to Lethbridge with a southern charm and a very present “y’all.” Connecting with family, honouring her heritage, teaching the values, beliefs and traditions instilled in her by her grandparents, was so very important to her; and now, passed on for many generations to come. Candi-Jo had a contagious laugh, with a big beautiful grin, thrown in with a snort or two on occasion. She was steadfast and firm when needed, confident within her profession and highly skilled. With a nurse’s humour and an openness that was slightly shocking at times (yes Candi, I pooped today). She radiated warmth, was welcoming and accepting to all. In her quiet time, she cross stitched, tended her flowers, hosted game nights, had sleepovers with her baby niece, enjoyed cooking new and traditional recipes, laughing with her girls and spending time with her gentle husband, the love of her life in their Coaldale home.

With expressive green eyes – mischievous at times, lit with joy and shadowed with grief, she had so many losses along the way and a depth of pain we’ll never fully understand. And yet, she was determined and despite it all, she smiled. Choosing to live a simple life, a full life, with her husband, girls, friends and family by her side. She did so with tenderness and grace.

Candi-Jo was strong, she was fierce, an inspiration and unfortunately unaware of how many people she’s impacted and touched over the years. She had a quiet faith, shared dreams of Heaven while holding her grandmother’s hand and made a promise to see her again. She’s “Home”.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Monday, July 20, 2020 at MAGRATH CEMETERY, Magrath, Alberta with Pastor Mark Dyck, officiating.

Due to the restrictions in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited to 100 attendees. Including family and Funeral Home Staff.