Heidi Renee Ryen also known as Heidi “Mae” to her close friends, passed into blessed memory on January 8, 2026. Her last breath was drawn in Minot's Trinity hospital with her friends Penny Slagle, Celeste Lundblom and her brother, Jim at her bedside. She passed in peace with no more pain confidently knowing she was passing into her eternal peace.

Heidi was born on December 12, 1957 to Ragnvald B. (Ronnie) and Ellen P. (Eidsvoog) Ryen. Her earliest experience was staying in the Good Samaritan hospital with her mother while her two brothers were sick. Who knew that such a beginning would start an entire journey filled with fun, shenanigans, music and so much laughter.

Heidi lived her entire life in Williston. She went to kindergarten at Our Redeemer's Lutheran, first through six grade at Webster Elementary School, Williston Junior High and graduated from Williston High School in 1976. Her later education involved UND Williston, Jamestown College and Minot State College (University) where she graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice.

Her earliest work was with the ND Department of Transportation working summers on survey crews. She worked security at Family Thrift Center, Economart which later converted to County Market. She also worked as a travel agent for Rosenbluth's International, Holland America. Heidi ended her employment career with the State of North Dakota as Child Support Enforcement Officer. She enjoyed each and every job. If you ask anyone from those jobs, you will learn about the fun that ensued with her around.

Heidi enjoyed many things in her life. In High School she was a powderpuff football player, basketball, volleyball, tennis and later racket ball player where her motto was “If you can't conquer, cripple” (there are many victims out there that can attest). She loved going out to shoot, fish, water ski, and more. There was nothing she wouldn't try. Her goal was to get a pontoon and a small RV. Heidi loved gadgets of any kind and of course, her chocolate.

Her various talents were singing, playing guitar, bagpipe, French horn, trumpet, ukulele, and piano. The only instrument that made her break into a sweat was the organ. She was uncomfortable with that but still played. Music was a great love of hers.

The television soap opera Days of Our Lives was an obsession of hers. She also liked shows and podcasts about crime, reality shows, and the Price is Right. The Hallmark channel and Barry Manilow were also favorites.

She grew up with two brothers, Eddy and Jim. They were normal brothers to her, their personalities were somewhat opposite of each other. She lived with Jim in their original the family home until her death. She visited with her older brother Eddy frequently, as Heidi had many interests in common and they could speak for hours. She would sometimes hunt and fish with Eddy when he was still in North Dakota. Eddy would come home every October to go pheasant hunting with his friends and she was always invited to the “pheasant pheast” dinner after the hunting weekend was done. She loved the time to catch up with everyone there.

She and Jim were heavily involved with Entertainment, Inc! She was in a production of “Drinking Habits” where she played a mischievous nun, which was directed by Jim. She enjoyed that experience. She loved playing nuns in the Inc! productions and played “Julia, Child of God” in Nunsense.

She was involved in Young Life, Nuns to Bolivia (a sorority of local women), Sven and Lena (with Clif Sundt) which started in 1995 and ended in 2025 which also involved in Norma Oyen and Mona Craft where they spoofed Norwegian stereotypes.

One of her greatest loves was her church, Our Redeemer's. She was involved in many facets of the church. She truly enjoyed being part of the organization. She was involved in the Youth program, Deacons, Trustees, Bell Choir, Choir, Women's Bible Study, Orchestra, Church council, Vacation Bible School, Praise Team and was also an accompanist for the services. Heidi used her talents and voice in special events at the church and made herself available to sing at many funerals.

Heidi made many friends and those friends became family. Each one of her friends meant a lot to her. Heidi was a gift to her friends, and her friends were a gift to her.

Heidi is survived by her brothers, Edwin and James Ryen; nephew, Erik (Jiwei Gu) Ryen, great nephews, Parker and Archer; and niece, Jillian (Linsky) David.

Her parents, Ragnvald B Ryen and Ellen P Ryen proceeded her in death.

In lieu of flowers please donate to one of the following in honor of Heidi: Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church 1024 W 6th Street, Williston ND 58801; Entertainment, Inc! PO Box 744, Williston, ND 58802; Coyote Clay Target League 3021 13th Ave E, Williston, ND 58801.