Guild Leaders

NEWS ABOUT OUR MEMBERS

Rita Ryser, a long time member of the Texas Woodcarvers Guild and a current member of the Houston Area Woodcarvers, passed away in her room at memory care on Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025. She had been in hospice care for pain for the past 3 weeks. She had a bad fall on October 27, 2025, and never really recovered from that. Her husband Rick says  "we know that she is now pain free and with all of our family and friends in heaven." Rita was a trained nurse and served TWG for numerous years administering first aid to many woodcarvers who had accidents during RoundUp. Rick thanks her friends for all the enjoyment she had carving with us. Carving was her love. Rita was known for her outstanding chip carving skills and won many awards at the TWG shows. There will be no service or funeral. Her ashes will be placed at the family's property in Colorado at about 8000 feet, and about 800 feet from their son Max's yurt. The site is not far from a dead tree shaped like a cross; Max named the property "Gateway to Hidden Cross." A simple small gravestone will be placed later at the site. She was able to hike to the site last year with her son Max. 
H. Havemann 11-20-2025

Betty Giese, a long time member of the Texas Woodcarvers Guild and the Central Texas Woodcarvers passed away on August 7, 2025. The services will be on August 14, 2025 at 10:30 am at Cook Walden Forest Oaks in Austin, Texas.
Cook Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home
H. Havemann 8-9-2025

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our long time member Gene Qualls from the Alamo Area Woodcarvers Club. He will be missed but is now at peace after a long fought battle.
A. McNulty 4-17-25