Arianne Rygh Exline, 43, of Waco, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2019.
A Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 7, at Antioch Community Church in Waco with Pastor Greg Richards officiating
The China Spring community and Cougar Nation lost the biggest heart and kindest soul this week.
Arianne Rygh Exline, a devoted wife, loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend — and most importantly a lifelong teacher of children, left our lives too soon. She leaves behind her husband, John Exline, and three sons, Dawson (16), Tristan (15), and Caden (13); her mother, Lucia Joanne Rygh; sister, Alysia Rygh Hanes and husband, Kelly; two nieces, Bailey and Belle Salyer; two nephews, Pierce and Grayson; brothers, Brent and Matt Rygh and family; brother-in-law, Todd and Amy Parten and family; and sister-in-law, Jennifer Parten.
Arianne dedicated her life to her family, friends, and all of the students that she passionately taught. She embodied an indescribable zeal for loving and lifting others up.
The community is asked to dress in bright, vibrant colors. We will gather to share our favorite memories, to laugh and cry, and to remember a loving woman who will be greatly missed always.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations may be made to a family fund for John Exline and the boys at Pointwest Bank, Attn: Natalie Hafford, 10101 China Spring Rd., Waco, TX 76708 or call 254-836-8233, please ask for Natalie Hafford www.pointwestbank.com (China Spring branch)
As Arianne would often share, “Always be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle”.
One Way. Go Cougs!
Print Obituary & Condolences
Exline boys,
So sad for the passing of your beautiful mom. Will cherish the many memories sitting in the bleachers as your mom as she bragged on the awesome provider your daddy John is and how she enjoyed watching her Exline boys make incredible plays on the baseball and football field. We would always end a sweet conversation with a gentle hug and how she wanted each of you to look to Jesus. Thankful for her life and the one she created by marrying your daddy John and having each of you. Love you Exline men! ????Constantly for each of you.
I had the privilege of teaching with Arianne in Kaufman. She was an awesome teacher who loved each and every student she came into contact with! She was a joy to around! She loved John and thher boys dearly! I am so glad I got to call her my friend and coworker. I will be praying for peace and comfort that only God can provide and look forward to seeing her again in Heaven.
My heart breaks for this woman. She will be missed by so many lives she touched during her too short life on this earth. I taught school with Arianne’s mother and the days, weeks, months and years we shared are all I have left. I will miss her terribly and know that many more students, friends and family will also. May she Rest In Peace.
Coach,Dawson,Tristan,and Caiden,
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Our hearts are broken for you all. Arianne was such a loving person who made a huge impact on many many lives. We pray for peace and comfort for you now and always.
God bless,
The Durhams
Rob, Lori, Riley, and Sidney
Dear Mr.Exline,Dawson,Tristian, Caden,and the whole Exline family. I first want to express how sorry I am for the loss of your wife, momma,and loved one.She was and always will be such a special,and important part of my life,and anyone whoever had a relationship with her. Thank you for sharing her with me,and our whole community she was truly an amazing mother figure to me,and an amazing person in general. A true inspiration to me.Throughout my years of life I’ve been through some rough patches,and when I felt like I had nobody while I was at school she took me under her wing and helped me through some hard times.
Even when she barely knew me at first. Although I never had a chance to experience being in her class we always checked up on each other. I always tried my best to see her once a week my freshman year since I wouldn’t be at the middle school all the time anymore. My seventh and eighth grade years were when I really got the chance to see her all the time whenever I could. We would sit in her room after school and we would talk,and talk,and talk. 🙂 She always had the right thing to say with her beautiful,joyful smile. I’ll never forget it. I would send her emails,and texts wishing her happy holidays,birthdays,and even when I would be able to visit her on certain days.:)) Even on the Thursday night games for the middle school she’d always be there supporting Mr.Exline coaching or her loving boys playing football. Her,and I would sit in the bleachers watching the games and talking. Whenever I had money I tried to surprise her with the yummy hot chocolate on those cold,cold rainy nights. She loved you all so much. I remember once we were up in the bleachers watching the games and she would be talking about how proud she was of her kids and husband. She had the best stories. The last time I saw her before her passing was on,meet the cougars,because I hadn’t had the chance to walk down to the middle school and see her that first week. 🙂 I told her I was sorry,and that I loved her,and she told me “don’t be sorry it’s okay i’m seeing you now ,and I love you too,sweet girl.” I smiled at her. I stood there with her,and Mr.Exline for a few minutes,and asked them how they were doing,and y’all answered and then she told me how good,and beautiful I looked and that she was proud of me and the whole band sounded amazing. I was so tired from that day juggling around all the freshman in the band hoping I was doing a good job,and when Mrs.Exline said that to me it just reminded me of what she always went by, “Always be kinder than necessary,for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” She told Mr.Exline that she loved me,and that I always came to visit her,and I was her “little care taker.” It made me think of how lucky I was to have the gift to be able to know your family. Coach Exline I also wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for my little brother,and I,because you are very special to us. With all of my love,and my family’s I wanted to write this to give you some sort of happiness in your heart during this tragedy. I am so very sorry,and I hope you all know that my family has been,and will continue to pray for you all as you grief. When I lost my grandfather last year,and I came back to school she had heard the news and texted me to check on me. So I just wanted y’all to know that I as well as many others are here,and praying.
Much love,Kristen Davenport
Rest In Peace Mrs.Exline, we will miss you.
amen. 💜🕊 always will hold a special place in my heart
John~
Your family is in our prayers! We are so very sorry for your loss. We love you~
Jason, Jami, Jace & Madylin Bihl
Our deepest condolences to all the family. Arianne was an amazing women. Our family will be greatly miss her. Yall are in our prayers. If any of you ever need anything we are here for yall.
My condolences to you&your family
Prayers!!
Corina / Taylor/Chloe
I was blessed to work with Arianne at North Elem, Breckenridge. Her love & dedication to her students & family was amazing. Many memories I will cherish. My prayers are with all her family that she adored. Blessings of PEACE from God to each of you.???? Anita Gillespie
Mrs. Arrianne Exline was the most kindest and giving person, she taught my daughter and continued to be her friend and special person to go to everyday. Even when we saw her at Dollar General she smiled and gave Maddy these big hugs. She will be greatly missed but has left some memories that will never be forgotten. Our prayers and support for the Exline family, that God may help them through this very tough time and bring peace.
To the Exline Family,
Our hearts go out to your family in the loss of your wife and mother. May God lift your sorrow and your hearts be filled with the love and outpouring of the community as we weep with you all.
Nancy, Jonathan and Samantha Cook
I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and your sons in the months ahead. I have never met you or your family but I am one of your cousins from Arkansas.
Geraldine Anderson Masoner
Mrs. Exline will truly be missed and we are so glad she was apart of my girls life. Ariyah really loved her. She was such a sweetheart. Praying for the family always. She will always have a special place in our hearts. God please be a fence around everyone.
It was my privilege to be her friend & classmate at Howard Payne University. I knew she was special & would make a big impact on many…she was special to me. She had a gift for knowing how to make you feel comfortable & important! My heart is broken for the family! My prayers are with you always!
I first met this precious family when they were moving to Breckenridge. I am a real estate agent. I have never been more impressed with the parenting than I was with John and Arianne! They were so considerate of the homeowners and had made plans and preparations for the boys (who were quite little at the time) while we viewed many houses. Their discipline was gentle, but firm. We grew to be friends and a few years later, my real estate company “adopted” Arianne’s classroom. Again, I was so impressed with her! She had complete control of her class, but it was not because she was harsh but because the children loved her, respected her and she was such a tremendous teacher. I have stayed in touch with the Exlines since they left here and we had several mutual friends–even in the Waco area. I am so very sad, and actually having a hard time with this–it is unbelievable. Please know, John and boys that she loved you all dearly, was so proud of you, and her sparkling eyes would just light up about each of you. May it help that you know she loved the Lord and was so excited when each of you accepted Him, and that you know that she is with Him now. You have so many good friends and we are all lifting you up in prayer. I wish geographically I was where I could help with your daily needs. Blessings, love and prayers
Exline Family,
You will forever be in our prayers. Much love to you now and in the days ahead.
Love,
Wes, Shannon, Steven & Gabe
Exline Family,
You will forever be in our prayers. Much love to you now and in the days ahead
Love,
Wes, Shannon, Steven & Gabe
I had the honor to work with her in Kaufman. I had all the boys in my Pre school class. She was a mighty woman of God and loved her family and students. She had a way of making a bad day better. I am praying for the family.
Mrs. Exline was the best teacher I have ever had.
She helped me in my hard times. She always told me to never doubt myself.. ❤️
I will never forget her or her kindness to me.
she will be missed.
Prayers for the family.
-Salina
Mrs. Exline was the best teacher ever! I’m extremely grateful that i got to have her twice.
She helped me so much when I was going through hard times. she always told me to never doubt myself.❤️
I will never forget her kindness to me.
she will be missed very much.
prayers to her family????
-Salina R.
Arianne was one of a kind, a sweet friend. When she taught in Kaufman I was privileged to have two of her sweet boys in my class at KISD Child Development Center. I love the Exline family. My daughter and I had the privilege to babysit for her. Mr. Exline is a sweet man who loves his family and puts God first. I’m truly sorry for your loss. Monica McMullen
Exline family- you are in our hearts and prayers. Ms Exline was my son’s favorite teacher of all time. She helped him and me both discover he had a diagnosis of dyslexia and always saw his strength thru his hardship. I leaned on her wisdom often as a mom also raising three boys in China spring with a husband who is a teacher/coach. I will always remember your mom as beautiful and caring. Our community will continue to pray and support and encourage your family for years to come. We love and continue to love your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to elementary and high school with Arianne. I can remember her being very sweet, and kind to me as little girls. I’m at loss for words trying to wrap head around this tragic news, but I pray for peace for her family during this very difficult time.
Warmest regards,
Jessica Clark (Simi Valley, CA)
Arianne and I first met in her classroom and North Elementary..we became instant friends and loved to share stories on our kids. I can not even put into words the kind of person she was–how much she meant to each person she met and the loves she had for each student and co-worker. The love she had for John and her boys was all over her face—-A truly wonderful person–a truly wonderful friend! I will miss you sweet friend—Many prayers for you John and boys–lots of love!!!! My heart hurts for you all!
My dear sweet cousin…. ! Was looking forward to seeing you in Dec. I remember when you were born and I’d bounce you on my lap. You were always happy. My never ending love for you… I know your pain must have been very deep. I look forward to the day Jesus brings us together again. I love you to the moon .
My dear cousin….. I remember when you were born. I used to bounce you on my knee…. Every Thanksgiving was joyful because you were there with your booming gorgeous smile. God is welcoming the sweetest soul. Know that there’s a world out there that will miss your presence.. You left your love on many lives. We are all blessed to have known you. I’ll see you again in Heaven.
May the souls of the faithful departed , through the mercy if God, rest in peace.
I had the honor to work and teach with Arianne in Kaufman. Our students loved her but we did too! She always lit up a room with her smile. She was so kind hearted and uplifting to others. I pray God wraps his loving arms around you all during this time. She will be truly missed.
Our condolences to the entire family. Lifting you up in prayer for comfort and strength .
i never got to have mrs. exline as a teacher, but that didn,t matter. when she would see me in the hall, she would say hi and ask how my day was going. you will be missed Mrs. Exline love China Spring Middle School
John, so sorry we couldn’t be there today as we are also at a funeral. We are all thinking of you and your family and praying for you. Sending love and hugs, from the Stagner family.
Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Exline and Rygh families. We have lost a truly beautiful, loving, kind and dedicated human being. Arianne will be missed so very much by all who knew and deeply loved her.
Dear Exline family, I can not express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I was privileged to work with Mrs. Exline at Monday Primary. The world has lost a true hero to all the children she taught and loved. She left a true legacy in the way she loved each of her family members. She was so proud of “ALL” her boys, including John, whom she was so proud to call her husband. Her family meant everything to her. She loved each of you so deeply. You all are in my prayers daily.
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news of Arianne’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family: her husband, sons, Joanne & Alysia as well as to her school family and to the many who knew and loved her! Prayers of healing to all. Fondly, Mary (Soscia) McAuliffe, Henderson, Nevada
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news of Arianne’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family: her husband, sons, Joanne & Alysia as well as to her school family and to the many who knew and loved her! Prayers of healing to all. Fondly, Mary (Soscia) McAuliffe
Henderson, Nv
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news of Arianne’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family: her husband, sons, Joanne & Alysia as well as to her school family and to the many who knew and loved her! Prayers of healing to all. Fondly, Mary (Soscia) McAuliffe
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news of Arianne’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family: her husband, sons, Joanne & Alysia as well as to her school family and to the many who knew and loved her! Prayers for healing to all. Fondly,
I am so very sorry to hear the sad news of Arianne’s passing. My deepest condolences to the family: her husband, sons, Joanne & Alysia as well as to her school family and to the many who knew and loved her! Remembering the growing-up years at Pomelo Drive……prayers for healing.
It’s been a long while sense you joined Heaven Mrs Exline and seeing your beautiful amazing face and I miss every second I can’t walk into your class. I was so excited to see you and be able to have you for more then 1 class a year because you knew what I was going thought! There is not a single day I thank…what If I could have said Somthing to change her mind to make her feel better. I needed you to be my teach now. I stopped taking creative writing because it hurt me to thank you couldn’t teach me. It hurts me more then words can express to think that such and amazing loving woman would thank to take her life. You have so much back at home you needed to fix. You needed to teach students! You needed to care for your boys!! I needed you to be there during my times of need!!! Why did you leave me Mrs Exline. I miss you dearly and there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about how much I miss you and how much you could have thought me
It’s really hard without you here, we miss you a lot. you were the best teacher ever, there is not a day that goes by without seeing the way you looked when we first saw you. I can’t even pick up a pencil without even thinking about the world’s best writing teacher, who I learned to love more than the average person, I just wish I could tell you how much I loved being in your class. I will NEVER EVER forget the best creative writing teacher that I learned to care for and learned to love. I am strong now, BUT I STILL CRY EVERY TIME I WRITE MY STORIES FOR CLASS. don’t worry you are still in my heart. I even left school, just to get some space to think about you, and how I miss seeing your amazing face in creative writing. I MISS YOU A TON WHY MRS EXLINE? come back please.