At 103 years of age, Verda Ryel’s strong creative outlet is painting, maybe missing at times attendance at Independent Living social events and other appealing opportunities. Yet, the animals, landscapes, flowers, and images from her reservoir of memories allows others to experience a marvelous satisfaction and appreciation for the beauty of our world.
Verda was born and raised in Wichita along with an older sister. She made her own clothes and, at the age of twenty-one, married someone she grew up with from her neighborhood–Glen Ryel. They became parents of a girl and boy. Her daughter, Carol, lives in California and son, Rod, lives near Newton—her incentive for moving to Kansas Christian Home to be closer to him and his family in November 2021.
As a mother and homemaker, Verda worked outside the home in retail settings like TG&Y and Woolworth’s (floral department). Then desiring a job with regular hours, she completed courses in drapery making, specializing in top treatments, and was employed for a family-owned company for thirty to forty years until the owners retired and closed their business. She has the distinction of being a charter member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Wichita and now prefers to view televised broadcasts in the comfort of her Tilsley Village apartment.
Through her painting and friendships with other residents Verda finds it possible to learn more, do more and get a renewed appreciation for her long life as a centenarian.