In Memory

Malinda Kay Land (Rives)

Malinda Kay Land (Rives)

Born: Apr. 29, 1946 in Tyler, TX; Died: Nov. 1, 2015
 
JTHS Activities:  FTA, Cheerleader
 

Malinda Kay Rives

 
Obituary
 
Malinda Land Rives completed her journey through this earthly life appropriately, on All Saints Day, November 1, 2015. God recalled his special angel in the presence of her loving and heroic daughters, Kimberly Rives Miers and Jennifer Rives Chandler, her very special sister-in-law, Dot Henderson Land, and her adoring husband, William Kenneth Rives. Her passing was both peaceful and painless. Malinda was born on April 29, 1946 to Altha Mae and Ed Land. She spent her childhood years in Tyler, Texas where she made many friends with whom she is still in contact. Included in her many accomplishments at John Tyler High School were National Honor Society, Class Favorite, and cheerleader. Upon graduation, she attended Tyler Junior College where she was a Dean's List student. Although Malinda was born into a family of limited financial means, she was born into an environment of unlimited and unconditional love. From this upbringing, she developed the traits that made her special to so many. She was bright, industrious, determined and caring. Her happiest times were when she was making others happy. She spent most of her early marriage and child-rearing years as a stay-at-home mother. At age 50, she began a career at AT&T as a service representative. Her next career step was an instructor and she retired as an instruction designer at the end of 2013. During her somewhat short, but successful career, she received numerous awards and honors. Malinda was preceded in death by her son; Robert Kenneth Rives, her parents; Altha Mae and Ed Land; her sisters Mary Lou Budai and Eleanor Spangle; and her brother Eddie Land. Her survivors include her husband of 51 years, William Kenneth Rives, daughters Kimberly Rives Miers and Jennifer Rives Chandler, grandchildren Megan and Dru Miers, Brooke, Wyatt, Harper, and Samantha Chandler, sons-in-law Harris Miers and Scott Chandler, daughter-in-law Stacy Robinson, her sister Ivey Weaver and scores of family and friends, and an extended family of those who loved her. Her neighborhood Derby Day party became legendary. Upon her diagnosis of cancer in March, Malinda began a courageous struggle that included treatment at Texas Oncology Presbyterian and The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute in Los Angeles. Her family wishes to extend its thanks for the superior care and treatment she received at these fine institutions. They would also like to offer a special thanks to their beloved family physician, Dr. Jeb Miers and VNA hospice nurse, Amanda Hermes. Funeral service will be officiated by Fr. Jerry Hill at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6000 S. R. L. Thornton Fwy., on Thursday Nov. 5 at 2:00 PM. All are invited to attend a social remembrance at the Rives home following. Visitation will be at Laurel Land Wed. from 6:00 to 8:00. Malinda has asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Park Forest Pool Association. Her wish was that the neighborhood pool be as beautiful as the people who use it.
Published in Tyler Morning Telegraph on Nov. 4, 2015



 
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11/03/15 06:14 PM #1    

Kaye Rudd (Hobbs, Liles)

Malinda was always the cutest little sweet gal at school. Really can't say enough wonderful things about this lady. Truly sorry for the family's loss.God loves her so much and was ready to take her home..♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

11/04/15 09:45 AM #2    

Delbert Kenneth "Ken" Thompson

That is sad news indeed about Malinda. She was the sweetest girl and an excellent citizen. My condolences to her loved ones.


11/05/15 01:32 PM #3    

Madeline Stamps (Adams)

My tiny sweet friend, with the precious smile. Loved our friendship and times together at John Tyler; with Lynn Peterbaugh and "our" group. My blessings to this family, may your special memories forever bind each of you. My sincere condolences, Madeline Stamps Adams.

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