Emily Ruth Ryan

Emily Ruth Ryan was born to Eternal Life surrounded by her family on Tuesday July 1st, 2014, at The Kathy Hospice at the age of 86 years. She was born June 8, 1928 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Walter and Hannah Hensel. Growing up with her two brothers Walter (Bud) and William (Bill) in Milwaukee, she attended Cross Lutheran Grade School, Custer High School and The College of Nursing at Milwaukee Hospital before marrying Robert Ryan in 1948 at Cross Lutheran Church. After raising her family in Milwaukee, Emily moved to Jackson WI in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, with more than 25 years of employment as a Claims Supervisor with Blue-Cross Blue-Shield, Emily retired to enjoy life in the rural Jackson area. She was a proud and active member of Our Savior’s United Church participating in choir, quilting, prayer groups and various church activities. With her best friend Ginnie, she frequented the local YMCA to enjoy water aerobics each week. An avid Packer Backer, her autographed football was proudly displayed in her living room. For many years, she kept scrap books on the Pack; and she also collected books, posters, photos and other Packer memorabilia. Many of them autographed as well. She shared her love for the Packers with her two brothers and her sons. They spent many Sunday afternoons in front of the TV cheering, yelling and sometimes cussing at the Pack as they played. Many weekends were spent at “The Island” on Beaver Dam Lake. First owned by her brother Bill and later purchased by Emily, it was the gathering place for many weekends of boating, fishing, swimming and camping with family and friends. Emily loved to travel and took many trips out west. She often traveled by car and camped along the way. Sometimes kids and grandkids accompanied her, and sometimes she just went on her own. Annual travels included trips to Las Vegas to visit her son Bob, as well as driving across the state to Black River Falls to visit her brother’s family. As a very accomplished cook and baker, Emily’s cheese cakes, cookies and fancy decorated cakes were enjoyed by many. With her big family of many grandchildren, she baked and created lots of specially decorated birthday cakes. For Emily’s last birthday this past month, all four of her children were home. This time the family made and decorated a cake for Emily, and they gathered at The Kathy Hospice to sing Happy Birthday to her. Emily enjoyed the cake, the visit and seeing everyone together. Emily was a gentle sole who loved her family and all God’s creatures. From her childhood dog Trixie to her many kitties over the years, pets were always an important part of her life. Emily is survived by her loving children; Richard (Sharon) Ryan of Kalamazoo, MI; Linda (Dave) Derrick of Richfield; Robert (Jenny) Ryan Jr; of El Salvador; and Randy (Sue) Ryan of West Bend; as well as her precious grandchildren; Jeff, Kathleen, Matthew, David, Bryan, Paul, Jenny and Taylor. Also surviving are her 40+ great-grandchildren. Emily also leaves behind her sister-in-law Carolyne, loving nephews and niece and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents Walter and Hannah, as well as her brothers Bud and Bill. A memorial service will be held Monday, July 14, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s United Church of Christ, W172N12533 Division Rd, Germantown, WI. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church from Noon until 12:45 p.m. Internment will be at a later date at Pinelawn Cemetery in Milwaukee. Emily’s family would like to share their sincere gratitude to the staff at The Kathy Hospice of the town of Polk. Memorials to Washington County Humane Society of Slinger are appreciated. The Berndt-Ledesma Funeral Home is serving the family.

Emily Ruth Ryan

June 8, 1928 - July 1, 2014