Obituary for Rinda Lou Kearney

Rinda Lou Kearney was born on April 10, 1955, along with her identical twin sister Linda Sue, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Alta Claudine (Damron) Kearney (passed in July 2003) and Raymond Francis Kearney (passed in May 1995).  Rinda and her sister Linda (Morris – passed in December 2013) were a matched set of twins, they loved each other as fiercely as they passionately disagreed and fought growing up. On January 29, 2022, in Westerville Ohio, Rinda went Home to be with the Lord.

Rinda grew up as an Air Force brat. She lived in Japan and Delaware; the family settling in Citrus Heights, California after her father retired from the Air Force.  She graduated from San Juan High School in 1973 in Citrus Heights, California. She obtained an AA degree from American River College in Carmichael, CA. While working full time she went on to obtain a BA in Business and a Masters Degree in Human Resources from the University of Phoenix.

Rinda worked for the federal government; for about 30 years. She worked in California, Ohio, Utah, Washington, Colorado, and New Mexico.  Most of this time she was working for the Air Force.  She made many friends during this time, and many have been lifelong friendships. Rinda has always had the most wonderful friends and neighbors. Rinda was a very generous person and was a thoughtful sister and friend.

Rinda is survived by her sister Raydine Kearney-Raab (husband Bruce). Her two nieces, Amanda and Stacy (husband Matt), four grand nieces and nephews, Jackson (8), Hayden (7), Jamie (5), and Ryder (3). Rinda is also survived by her sisters-in-law,  Alice and Shaelyn and brothers-in-law,  George and Chris; also, all her family, incredible cousins, and friends who have not gone before her.

Rinda, loved to travel.  She went on many cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean with family and friends.  She also traveled to Hawaii and a good number of states in the US and providences in Canada.  She traveled to Germany to visit friends and for a vacation in Europe.  Someone would mention a trip and Rinda would say “My bags are packed; passport is ready so let’s go”.  Almost everywhere she went she would make a new friend.

Rinda retired in Albuquerque, New Mexico after working at Kirtland AFB.  Her diabetes had caught up with her and she had to go on dialysis from kidney failure.  She continued to travel during this time and after about six years she received a kidney transplant.  The transplant was a success, but she spent almost the next 10 months in and out of hospitals. She managed to catch every super bug while hospitalized.  She kept a positive attitude and remained optimistic throughout this ordeal.  She had definitely used up her nine lives! She decided to move closer to her sister Raydine in Ohio and made the move in February 2021, settling in Westerville, Ohio (outside of Columbus). On January 29th of 2022; Rinda went peacefully at her apartment to journey HOME to be with her Maker.  The night before she had visited with her sister Raydine, brother-in-law Bruce, niece Amanda, and grandnephews Jackson and Jamie; she was very upbeat and happy, planning our next visit to Cracker Barrel and summer swimming at her apartment.

Rinda used to say she didn’t know her expiration date, but she knew her Maker, she had a good life, and did not want people to weep because she took that final trip Home.

Rinda’s request was to be cremated.  No services are planned. Raise a glass and give a toast to a life well lived. She will be missed.

An Irish Prayer

May those who love us, love us.

And those who don’t love us,

May God turn their hearts;

And if He doesn’t turn their hearts,

May He turn their ankles,

So we will know them by their limping.

REST IN PEACE RINDA