Yelm resident Vanda Boone

KOMO-TV 4 News in Seattle is reporting:
“The woman whose body was found in the front seat of a man’s pickup truck has been identified.

Investigators said Vanda S. Boone, 60, died after being repeatedly stabbed on a bike trail in Tenino on Sunday afternoon….

Boone is said to be a follower of JZ Knight, the founder of the Yelm-based Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment. On Tuesday, Knight released a written statement which said the school would take care of the funeral arrangements.”

JZ Knight issued this statement Tuesday on behalf of Ramtha’s School of Enlightenment.

We are deeply pained to learn of the tragic death of Vanda Boone and saddened that a murder occurred in our tranquil rural community–a rarity in the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino areas. We support Thurston County detectives to use the best in modern forensic science to convict her killer.

In the absence of next of kin or relatives, Ramthas School of Enlightenment will take care of funeral arrangements. Vanda recently moved to the area to be close to the School she loved and the friends she met here. We are disheartened at the loss of any one of our students, but to lose them to homicide is shocking.

We share grief with Vandas fellow students, her friends, clients and neighbors. This unfortunate and horrific crime affects us all and many lives will be affected because of Vandas passing. We hope this crime will be solved and justice will prevail quickly.

Ms. Boone worked at Radiance Herbs & Massage in Olympia and store manager Judy Scott provided this statement to the Yelm Community Blog:

“Vanda Boone has only been part of the Radiance community since last March, but already in that short while she made an inspiring impression on those who encountered her. The long-time massage therapist from New York State quickly became known for her remarkable healing skills and caring, compassionate nature. Even when faced with challenges, she consistently looked for the gift and walked her path with elegance and grace. Vandas light shone brightlyshe was loved and will be missed.”