Diane Mae "Tiny" Ryan

Diane "Tiny" Mae Ryan, age 83, of Land O'Lakes passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
Diane was born on December 17, 1941 to Frank and Lempi Sulstrom in Phelps, Wisconsin. She was the youngest of 12 siblings and very close with her family. She was given the nickname of "Tiny" from her brother, Donald, when she was born and it stuck with her all of her life. Tiny graduated from Phelps High School in May of 1959.
She decided to join the Army after high school with her sister, Joyce, and they went to Alabama for basic training in March of 1960. She enjoyed her time in the WACS and was stationed in Maryland, Hawaii and Colorado. They were discharged in August of 1965 and moved back to the Northwoods.
Once back home, Tiny went to work with her sisters, Ruth, Joyce and Kaye at a restaurant in Land O'Lakes called the Hi-Hat Club. She reminisced often about the good times spent there with her siblings. It was there, in the summer of 1968, that she met William "Bill" Ryan and they were married in April of 1969. They had three daughters whom they raised in Phelps.
Diane worked hard all of her life. She was employed for over 10 years at Phelps Hospital as a cook. She also worked as a housekeeper for many years at various resorts in the area, including Big Sand Lake Club.
Tiny was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and tried to watch most games. She also liked to watch "Jeopardy" and work on her crossword puzzles. A favorite past-time was reading one of her murder-mystery novels with her kitty, Luki, by her side. Since her husband, Bill's passing in October, she had been doing so well and was flourishing with her newfound independence.
Diane was very proud of her Finnish heritage and also proud to call Phelps her hometown. She always loved a good laugh, and enjoyed music and playing her records, especially Elvis, Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline. Her family was her greatest joy and she talked of them often. She loved spending time with her daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids.
Diane is survived by her three daughters: Diana (Mark) Killian of Minocqua, Billie Jo (Leonard) Cirese of Phelps, and Marie (Tim Brod) Ryan of Eagle River; seven grandchildren: Ryan, Nicholas, Nathan, Samuel, Olivia, Isabel and Hunter; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents; and all of her brothers and sisters.
Per Tiny's wishes, no funeral service will be held. Her family will be having a private gathering later this spring to celebrate her life.
Diane will be missed more than words can say. Everyone who knew her, loved her and her kind-heartedness. She was so strong and resilient, despite her small stature, and always a thoughtful, caring and loving soul.