DeVette D. "Dee" Ryan

DeVette D. "Dee" Ryan Battle Creek DeVette D. "Dee" Ryan, age 83, of Battle Creek, died peacefully at The Oaks at NorthPointe Woods, on Thursday, February 19, 2009. Dee was born in Battle Creek to Fred and Mary (Orozovic) Beronja on November 10, 1925. She was a 1944 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. She was employed as an administrative assistant at the Kellogg Company. Dee was preceded in death by two husbands, Donald Durock in 1964 and Judge Ronald M. Ryan in 1988; two brothers, Eli and George Beronja; four sisters, Pauline Rogers, Mildred Stringham, Anne Clark and Kate Voorheis; and two stepsons, David K. and James D. Ryan. Surviving are a brother, Samuel (Marilyn) Beronja of Battle Creek; a stepdaughter, Virginia Claudy of Greenville, Ohio; two stepdaughters-in-law, Barbara Ryan and Judy Ryan; several stepgrandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Jo Probol. Dee was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Battle Creek Country Club. She loved to play Bridge and to go shopping. Dee had an excellent eye for interior design. She was spotless and it showed in her housekeeping and being a perfectionist, Dee always appeared very well dressed. She was very generous to her favorite charities and to others. Dee was a loyal friend, a very private person, a special lady and had a good sense of humor. At Dee's request memorial services for her family will be celebrated at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2009. Dee's cremated remains will be interred at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Care, 166 East Goodale Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com