Laura Vial Ryan

RYAN Laura Vial Ryan, age 89, long term resident of Upper Arlington, died on May 10, 2011 at The Forum at Knightsbridge in Columbus. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Murphy Ryan, MD and her brother George Vial. Laura was the beloved mother of Patricia Ryan Carlson (Jon) of Westmont, Illinois, Martha Ryan Palmer (Charles) of Upper Arlington, James M. Ryan, MD (Anne) of Upper Arlington, and Janet Ryan Essey (Norman) of Upper Arlington. She was the beloved grandmother of Jim Carlson, Laura Goetsch (Rick), Chuck Palmer (Joanna), Dan Palmer, Katie Ryan, Joe Ryan, Jamie McCurdy (Patrick), and Joe Feusner (Beth). Additionally, she was the very special great-grandmother of seven. She is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth and Stephen Upton of St. Joseph, MI; numerous nieces, nephews, several cousins and special friend, Sue Kirby, of Upper Arlington. She will be sorely missed by all of her family and friends. The family greatly appreciates the loving care provided by the entire staff at The Forum, Dr. Andrew Thomas of The Ohio State University Medical Center, HomeReach Hospice, and Home Care Assistance of Columbus. Laura was born in Chicago in 1921 to Margaret and Charles Vial. She graduated from Lyons Township High School in La Grange, Illinois in 1938. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan in 1942. Her spunky attitude gave her the courage and strength to drive a carload of other Navy wives up and down the California coast in 1944 as they followed the ship where their husbands were assigned before it set sail for the Pacific Theatre. Laura lived her adult life in Upper Arlington, having moved to Columbus in 1951 when her husband was appointed to the faculty of The Ohio State University Medical School. Laura was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her special love of babies, her generosity, and her dry wit helped her to connect and forge a special relationship with each new member of the family. She was a caregiver to her family as well as to the community, having lovingly served as a volunteer in the Medical Intensive Care Unit of The Ohio State University Medical Center. Her more than 7100 hours of service there earned her the Mary E. Shoemaker Volunteer Service Award in 1991, which recognizes volunteers for outstanding dedication and service. She also served as an Elder and Deacon at Covenant Presbyterian Church and volunteered at The Buckeye Boys Ranch. Laura was an avid sports fan and she was especially interested in the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, rooting for Ohio State except when they played Michigan. She was a member of The Ohio State University Medical Center Women's Service Board, Scioto Country Club, Zanesfield Rod and Gun Club, Kappa Alpha Theta, Twig, and the Michigan Alumni Association. A Memorial Service will held on June 4, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church, 2300 Lytham Road, Upper Arlington, OH with Senior Pastor Paul T. Ulring officiating. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in Founders Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The Ohio State Foundation for the Joseph Murphy Ryan, MD, Chair in Cardiovascular Medicine (Chair Fund #646224), c/o The Ohio State University Foundation, 1480 West Lane Avenue, Columbus, OH 43221, in her memory. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL, 1740 Zollinger Road.