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Jeanette Rakes Ryan

1937 - 2009

BORN

1937

DIED

2009

Jeanette Ryan Obituary

1937 ~ 2009 Jeanette Rakes Ryan, 71, of Roanoke, Va., died peacefully at her home after a courageous 17-year battle with cancer on Tuesday, February 3, 2009. She was preceded in death by her parents, C.J. (Charlie) Rakes and Alma (Lucy) Fulk Rakes, of Roanoke. Surviving are her loving husband of 42 years, Gerald D. (Jerry) Ryan; son, N. Douglas Payne Jr. and wife, Ashby Sanderson Payne, of Richmond; daughter, Allison P. Ryan, of Richmond; son, Michael J. Ryan, of San Francisco; one grandson, Turner A. Payne, of Richmond; three brothers, Orren N. Rakes, Ernest W. Rakes and wife, Sandra W. Rakes, and Larry C. Rakes and wife, Patricia B. Rakes, all of Roanoke; three brothers-in-law, Dr. Joseph F. Ryan and wife, Rosalie I. Ryan, of Sun Lakes, Ariz., Dr. Thomas Hungerford and wife, Mary Alice Hungerford, of Chesterfield, Mo., and William A. Hoffman and wife, Nancy R. Hoffman, of St. Louis, Mo.; sister-in-law, Dr. Ellen Ryan, of Delray Beach, Fla.; six nieces; and five nephews. Jeanette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and always had a kind word to say about others. Flowers are certainly appreciated by the family, but donations may also be made to the Good Samaritan Hospice, 2408 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018. A funeral service will be held 3 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2009, at Our Lady of Nazareth Catholic Church, 2505 Electric Road, Roanoke, Va. 24018, with interment following at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Roanoke. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 5, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, Roanoke, Va., 540-366-0707.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Roanoke Times from Feb. 5 to Feb. 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeanette Ryan

Not sure what to say?





Marilyn (Meg) Keating

February 9, 2009

Jeanette was one of my closest friends in high school and I have very fond memories of the good times we had together.

Patricia (Wax) Sisson

February 9, 2009

Dear Jerry and family,
I learned today of your great loss. My mind rushed back many years to all of the times spent with Jeanette while we were young and in high school. What wonderful times we had. I regret not keeping in touch with Jeanette since Calvin and I moved to Williamsburg and I do apologize for that. Your lovely wife will be deeply missed by all who knew her and loved her. God Bless You all.

Mickey Strayer

February 7, 2009

Dear Jerry and family,
I am so sorry about your loss. I just read it today in the paper and I am sorry I didn't get to see you at the funeral. Jeanette was one of the very first people I met moving to Roanoke 30 years ago. Her kindness and friendship went with me in my heart throughout these years.
Jeanette was one of those special angels that God sends to us. She was always so kind even in the worst of dealing with her illness. Please know that everyone Jeanette met and touched in her life were very blessed.
May God be with you through your dealing with your grief and loss.
Mickey Strayer

Corrol Sandhu

February 6, 2009

Allison,

I am sorry to hear about your Mom. Even though it was probably 25 years ago, I remember your mom like it was yesterday. She was so pretty and always so nice. I remember sitting at the soccer field one time and she was talking about how pretty you are! I am thinking of you and your family.

Beth Collier/Quinlisk

February 6, 2009

Uncle Snake, Doug, Allison & Mike, I am so sorry to hear about Aunt Jeanette passing. What a long battle she had. I will always remember her as one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I miss all of you. Take care and hope to see you guys one day soon.

Love,
Beth

Julie Padgett

February 6, 2009

Jerry and family,
I was so sad to hear that Jeanette passed away. We enjoyed seeing her smile at the salon. She will be greatly missed. We are thinking of you.
Love, Julie and Deanna

Clarence Wegmann

February 6, 2009

Jerry, we are so sorry, and will always remember the good times. We send our love and sympathy.

Clarence and Mildred Wegmann

Sherry Kendrick

February 6, 2009

Jeanette was such a sweet and caring lady. When Jeanette comes to mind, I see her sweet smile and beautiful eyes. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with Doug and his family.
Sherry (Spencer) Kendrick

Ralph Lancaster

February 6, 2009

Jerry, thinking of you.

Ann Skinner

February 5, 2009

Jerry,
Thinking of you and your family at this time. Enjoyed working with Jeanette at Bonomo's. She was always so gracious, sweet and gentle.

Ann Skinner

Deborah Jones

February 5, 2009

Allie,
All of us who are your friends here send our love and prayers to you and your family.
Debbie Jones
Ridge Elementary

Celeste Young

February 5, 2009

Allison and Family,

We love you and you and your family are in my prayers.

Ridge School

February 5, 2009

Allie and Family.....We want you to all know that we are with you in thought and prayer. We miss Allie, but we will take care of her when she returns to school.

Love from the Ridge Faculty and Staff

Don Sutphin

February 5, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Jeanette. We grew up together on
Williamson Road and in Oakland Baptist Church and she was always a lovely and sweet lady.

My deepest sympathy to the family.
Kindest regards,

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