Rayna Ellen Kistler

Rayna Ellen Kistler was 38 when she passed away peacefully in her sleep early Sunday morning September 25, 2016 after enduring a long battle with the ravaging effects of Juvenile Diabetes she had since she was diagnosed at 9 years old. She is survived by many family and friends; her parents: Lewis Kravetz (Linda) and Sheryl Swailes (Gary); her grandparents Harold & Ellie Kravetz and George Greely, her sisters and brothers; Lauren Polanco (Chris), Brigette Kravetz (Joe), Ricky Ellis (Jessica), Jesse Ellis; her fiancé Alvin Zelcer; her Aunt Sally Brosonski (Tom), her cousin Shannon Poling and her nieces and nephews; Alexia, Gianna, Greg and Chase and her constant companion "little boy" Riley who was on her lap at all times. She was predeceased by her Grandmother Barbara Greely, her cousin, Kenny Milza and her Aunt Janine Milza. Rayna had been diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes (Type I) at the age of 9 years old. She had graduated from Seminole High School and attended St. Petersburg College. At the age of 18 she had begun losing her eyesight and became completely blind. She was told there are always more Helen Keller's out there and she had never looked at her blindness as a disability. She went on to become a massage therapist graduating from Lorraine's Academy and despite her blindness she scored a very high score of 98 an awesome feat; she specialized in deep tissue massage. This was a great accomplishment and very fulfilling to her. Until her fingers on each hand became crippled, she worked at Massage Envy and then spa resorts with many clients traveling over an hour for her massages. She was extremely talented. In the 20 years after blindness she had many complications from the diabetes and approximately 2 years ago she had kidney failure and endured kidney dialysis 3 times a week and due to the many complications from the dialysis she was spending more and more time in the hospital and that was one thing that she hated, she never wanted to be slowed down and the hospital stays were very difficult for her in that way. Rayna was always so positive, upbeat and loving, she had an unbreakable spirit and although every day was filled with pain she never let that slow her down. She went on cruises and loved them, traveled alone by train and by plane to visit her fiancé in Ft. Lauderdale. She was fearless and brave. Rayna's life was fuller than most people twice her age. Rayna was truly a hero to so many, she was the bravest person any of us have ever been blessed enough to know. She was an inspiration to so many, her positive attitude radiated and despite so many medical setbacks, she kept on going; her Grandma called her "her energizer bunny". She lived her short life to the fullest and it didn't matter if in crutches or wheelchair, she would enjoy time with family and friends and she loved the sun & sand at the beach, she loved shopping and absolutely loved the water. She would venture out to new places to eat and new adventures; until the dialysis started she was always out and about. With dialysis, she would be out with family and friends as much as she could. Rayna's family asks that in lieu of flowers that Memorial Donations be made in Rayna's name to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at www.jdrf.org/donate/ Tampa Bay Chapter 9600 Koger Blvd #103 St. Petersburg, FL 33702 Rayna has touched so many lives in such a profound way she left a lasting impression on everyone who has ever been so lucky to have that privilege. She will be truly missed here on earth and is now our Angel in Heaven and she will watch over us all and we need her strength and courage now more than ever to get through life without her here with us physically, she will remain in our hearts and memories forever.