Barbara Jean Ryan

1932 - 2025

Barbara Jean Ryan
Born: April 3, 1932
Died: November 9, 2025
Barbara Jean Ryan, 93, of Grant Park, IL, died peacefully in her sleep at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
Barbara was born on April 3, 1932, in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of John and Ruth Marie Potter Gyenge.
Barbara met James Edward Ryan, Jr. at a church dance in October 1961, and the two were married at St. Sabina's parish in Chicago, IL on July 14, 1962. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2014.
Barbara is survived by her four daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Dan Ramirez of Hebron, IN, Ruth and Joseph Ilg of Grant Park, IL, Mary and Michael Dumas of Western Springs, IL and Jean and Timothy Ryan-Meyers of Wheaton, IL. Also surviving is her brother and sister-in-law, John and Karen Gyenge of Silvis, IL. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, John G., Shannon R. and Liberty Jean Ilg, Adrien and Rachel Dumas, Amelia Jean and Aidan James Meyers and "Danny" Daniel James Ramirez.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents; her son, James Edward Ryan III; and one granddaughter, Jeanne Frances Ilg.
Barbara retired from West Pullman School in Chicago, after serving many years as a second grade teacher and a music teacher. She previously spent 8 years as a nun in the Order of the Sisters of Humility of Mary, where she left prior to taking her final vows. She also attained a beautician's license, and sang in the Chicago Lyric Opera and in a blues trio in Chicago before beginning her teaching career.
Barbara was an active member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Momence, IL, after spending more than 30 years as a pillar of the church community at St. Mary of the Assumption in Riverdale, IL. For many years, she was also actively involved in the planning and running of the Happening in Christianity retreats for youth in the Kankakee and Wheaton areas. Barbara's steadfast faith and generosity of spirit were clearly evident through her involvement in her faith communities.
Barbara had a lifelong gift for music, playing piano by ear from early childhood and singing for quarters during the Great Depression. She continued to bring joy to others with her singing and playing piano throughout her life until a week before her death. One of Barbara's favorite ways to connect with others was to ask their favorite song, and play it for them. If they could hum the tune, Barbara could play it! She also enjoyed watching her kids' and grandkids' dance, choral, orchestral, performance arts shows and sporting events. She had a competitive spirit, and loved to play a variety of games, including kings corners and bingo. She was an avid sports enthusiast throughout her life, including being a diehard Cubs fan, as well as watching her kids and grandkids playing their sports. Most recently, Barbara enjoyed watching pickleball, completing puzzles, reading novels and spending time in nature. Barbara loved to tell stories of swimming with her brother and fishing with her father in the Muddy Mississippi in childhood days and playing basketball in her youth.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Cotter Funeral Home in Momence, IL. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Momence, IL. The Rev. Peter Jankowski will officiate.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Inurnment will be at rest with her loving husband at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL, at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.
Please sign her guestbook at www.cotterfh.com.