Ryding, Karen Faye (age 80) of Plymouth MN passed away peacefully 5/20/22. The daughter of Roy and Faye Ryding, Karen grew up in Elk River MN. A lifelong learner and educator, Karen graduated from Macalester College in 1964 and taught 1st grade in the Minnetonka school district for 34 years. Karen loved children of all ages and had a special place in her heart for every child she met. A high point of her career was a year spent teaching in Nottingham, England where she developed a love of all things British and made numerous lifelong friends. Karen loved spending time with dear friends traveling, dining out, shopping and attending cultural events. Karen enjoyed many hobbies and talents. She inherited the gift of music from her mother and was an accomplished pianist and choir member. Karen loved to bake and share her delicious bars and cookies. She was an excellent cook and had a special knack for decorating and hosting extravagant parties. Bringing a group of loved ones together brought her extraordinary joy. She was famous for her molasses cookies, taco dip and gin and tonics. Karen loved God, adored her church family and was a volunteer extraordinaire. Karen's greatest joy came from treasured time with family. She took great pride in being an adoring aunt and spent as much time as possible spoiling and enjoying her "kids". Karen is reunited in heaven with her parents and nephew, Tad Ryding. She is survived by her brother Jerry Ryding (Marilyn); nieces Kim (Keith) Dahlen, Dana Martin and Heidi Ryding; great nephews Nick & Joey Dahlen, Noah & Caden Martin; great nieces Ashley Hartman (Justin), Emily Ryding and Grace Dahlen. Despite health issues, Karen maintained her positive zest for life and lived each day to the fullest: nurturing her relationships with loved ones, worshipping, gardening, bird watching, and doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles. Her family thanks her cherished caregivers who brought her so much joy the past few years. Celebration of Karen's life Friday, 9/30/22 10:00 AM at Wayzata Community Church. Memorials preferred to WCC or charity of your choice.