PATRICIA ANN RYALS

Einan's Funeral Home

Patricia Ann Ryals died peacefully at Kadlec Hospital on July 9th, surrounded by her family.

Born Patricia Ann Doyle in 1936 in New Bedford, Massachussetts, she moved to Richland with her family in 1943. She graduated from Columbia High School in 1954, a member of the National Honor Society, and went on to work for General Electric for two years. In 1956 she met the love of her life, Rembert Ryals, and they were married on August 24th, 1957. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and had four children before Rem passed away in 2011. Being a wife and mother was Patty's greatest love. After raising her children Patty returned to her love of learning and went back to school in 1979 with the intention of going back to work. She began work again at WPPSS in 1980 and eventually became the Records Manager there for many years.

More than anything, she was a woman of strong faith and optimism. A devoted member of Christ the King Church, she worked at Kadlec Hospital as a volunteer and later served as a Eucharistic Minister for the sick. Her husband suffered through a long, debilitating illness and she cared for him tirelessly and heroically. She had a strong curiosity for all things, and a rare sweetness that drew people to her. She had a mischievous sense of humor and, if you didn't keep an eye on her, she was known to cheat at cards. Puzzles, books and Frank Sinatra were a few of her favorite things. The Oregon Coast was her favorite place, especially Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. She liked nothing better than watching the sunset and taking long solitary walks there, wearing one of her trademark scarves.

She is survived by her beloved sister Maureen and sister-in-law Gayle; by children Rem, Kathleen, Paul, and Joani; by son-in-law Patrick; and by grandchildren Nathan and Emma. Patty will be missed by so many and has left a giant hole in our hearts. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Catholic Family and Child Services in Richland.

Visitation will be held today, Thursday, July 11 from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, July 12, 2013 at 1:00 pm. The graveside service will follow after the reception at the church at 3:15 pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland.

Express your thoughts and memories in the online Guest Book at www.einansfuneralhome.com.