Rick- my heart is heavy for you, I cannot even imagine the loss you are feeling. Brenda was a great woman who loved life and you so very much. She always had a smile on her face whenever I saw you two together. I know you are hurting and I wish I could take some of your pain away. Please know that I am here for whatever you may need, you can even yell at me if you want. So very sorry for you and all of Brenda's family.

I'm so sorry Teresa, Lisa, and for Brendas husband and everyone else who's life Brenda touched. I'll always remember Brenda as one of my big cousins. She was always so outgoing, and sociable. Whenever I was around her I was always sort of felt a little brighter. Just looking at her smile in these pictures makes me feel a little better. Her good nature really was contagious. And looking back she was always so nice to her grubby little cousin who was usually dirty and smelly from playing in the "slough" behind Grandma and Grandpa's house. She even helped keep me out of trouble once or twice. She was always so great with Grandma and Grandpa and my other cousins aunts, uncles, my dad and mom and everyone. Just a really cool, and really sweet gal. She'll always live in my memories. And though I know she'll be dearly missed, I also know as I write this that she is now, and will always be, in the company of a lot of people who really love her. I'm so sorry I won't be able to make it back to Iowa to pay my respects tomorrow.

Rick, Theresa, Lisa... I can't tell you how sorry I am that you should have to lose Brenda at such a young age...it seems like only yesterday that she and I were sitting in grandma Smith's kitchen, talking about our daughters, who were not that far apart in age... calling me "Kimmie". She was one of only 4 people my whole life who called me Kimmie...but the thing I will never forget was the way she had with animals. Brenda loved (and drug "home" to the Sand Road, and uncle Dave...) every stray cat and dog that crossed her path! She loved the outdoors, and nature...something we always shared... I hope she finds peace (and a good card game!) in Heaven. Wish I could be there tomorrow, but unfortunately a recent surgery prevents me from traveling. But I'll be thinking about you, and Brenda Lee.

-Kim Ten Eick

I always think of Brenda when I hear Unknown Legend by Neil Young. She was a sweet gal and an inspiration to me.

Sheri and I were saddened when we received news of Brenda's passing. We will miss her big contagious smiles and hearty hugs. We can just imagine her running bear foot through the meadows in heaven hand in hand with Crystal. Sheri and I are in Oklahoma this week to celebrate Thanksgiving with her sisters. Letting you know we will be with you all in Spirit and Love.

Rick I'm so sorry for you and yours. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Brenda's smile and bubbly personality will be missed by all. She had such a beautiful soul. She will always be with the ones she loved.

Such a loss to all of us. She was a loving, passionate and strong person. She was happiest when she was helping others, as we all know. Making and delivering food, proving a place to stay for people or throwing a party. How can we forget the details she put into the Halloween and Easter parties she threw. It was so important for her to see the kids have fun and the adults too!

She was a spiritual person too. Wasn't the type to preach faith or be public with it but was aware of the love and presence of others who were in her life at one time.

She so loved her sisters Teresa and Lisa. At times there was tension and spats but deep down she would give her right thumb for them if they needed it.They have all been through a lot together and they are survivors.

And her husband Rick, she adored him. They would laugh and giggle about things they saw or did together. Back when Brenda felt well they would get out and dance, shuffling around the dance floor with their focus on each other. Oh how this hurts. We love you Brenda.

Your sister cousin, Arlene

Brenda was very special in every sense of the word. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. My condolences go out to them all. Brends will remain forever in our hearts.

Oh the memories I have with Brenda. She was such a fun loving person and a blast to hang out with. I can remember going into places and they would send her out because she had no shoes on, sometimes she would throw a pair of flip flops on and go back in and other times she would say screw this place. Brenda and I were in a car accident together and we were both very lucky we weren't hurt any worse than we were. I will miss this gal even though I didn't see her a lot. Prayers out to all family members.

Sorry for your loss, you are in my prayers.

Dear Lisa and Theresa,

I am so sorry for your loss. I have wonderful memories of all of us cousins playing together down at Grandma's house. Love to you both.

Kelly

Brenda will be missed dearly. She was always there for everybody. She would give her all in every thing she did. She was a very caring person.

I will miss you Brenda love forever....

It is with heartfelt sympathy that we write this. Brendas kind heart, wonderful spirit, and unbelievable laughter will be so greatly missed. She was a special, one of a kind woman and we all loved her so very much. Our hearts, hugs and love go out to all her friends and family in Iowa City. Rick a special hug to you for loving her like you did....she loved you and you made her so happy.