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BORN
1926
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Rita Ryan Obituary
Just two weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday, born September 4, 1926, with a backyard Mass attended by closest friends and family, Rita Ryan suffered a stroke. She lingered for two months before passing quietly on November 5, 2016, just a few days after her beloved Chicago Cubs won the World Series. A charter member of Christ the King, Rita loved the church and her family in equal measure. Nothing gave her more joy than watching grandchildren and great-grandchildren play and grow. Cookbooks and Midwest Living magazine were staples for Rita, who realized a dream with a surprise visit to Paula Deen's restaurant in Savannah a few years ago. Rita graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1944 and four years later married Lean C. Ryan, who was an accountant for the State of Illinois. With her four adopted children grown, Rita took a job as a teller at Heartland Credit Union when her husband, who died in 1982, took ill. After 20 years at the credit union, Rita retired. Her remaining years were happy ones. She donated to food pantries, bought school supplies for the underprivileged and was a faithful member of Phi Beta Psi. Rita was tough, and she loved life. She passed out of this world without pain, and she will long be remembered and loved. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Helen Donohoe and brother Edward Donohoe. Survivors include children Maureen A. Long (Stephen) of Chandlerville, Michael E. Ryan (Cheryl Best, deceased) of Chandlerville, Martha Ryan of Springfield, Theresa Flinn (Brian) of Bath; grandchildren Carrie Richardson (Shane), Kelly Long, Meaghan Neice (Donald), Ryan Long, Brendon Boggs, Lindsay (Ryan) Vogel, Andrew and Brett Flinn; great grandchildren Keenan and Kennedy Richardson; Colby and Chase Neice; Kyla Boggs; Aubrey, Payton and Reese Vogel; sister Helen M. Hegberg (William, deceased) of Inverness, her children Rick Hegberg, Tom Hegberg (Joan) and Maureen Kauke (Bill) and their children; several nieces and nephews, and her beloved granddogs.
Visitation: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Christ the King Church.
Funeral Mass: 12:00 pm, Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at Christ the King Church, with Reverend Joseph Ring and Monsignor David Lantz officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Springfield Catholic Charities Food Pantry.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rita Ryan
Sponsored by Staab Funeral Home - Springfield.
Judy Wheaton
November 7, 2016
Jack and I offer our condolences to all of Rita's children and grandchildren. We enjoyed many afternoons at Martha's pool, and even a few New Years Eves with Rita. Fond memories we will always treasure. - Jack and Judy Wheaton
Blye McSweeney
November 7, 2016
I knew Mrs. Ryan ( she was never ' Rita' to me ) for over 45 years after my best buddy , Maureen, and I met in Sister Mary's freshman homeroom at Sacred Heart Academy . Mrs. Ryan was a lovely lady and the matriarch of a large Irish Catholic family who adored her . When I left Illinois after college and returned to visit my parents, I always stopped in to see Mrs. Ryan to have coffee ( sometimes scotch ) in her kitchen . We'd talk about her kids, grandkids and her adventures with them . Always an involved listener , Mrs . Ryan was a sweet heart - and with that twinkle in her eye , it was as if she already knew the outcome of any story you could tell - long before you knew it yourself .
She was a beautiful lady who leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity and I will miss her greatly .
Diane Kenney Handler
November 7, 2016
RIP,dear Rita.
Cathy West
November 7, 2016
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear loved one. She has touched many lives, especially her family. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
November 7, 2016
Deepest sympathy to Rita's family. Rita will live on in our thoughts as a kind, generous, loving Sorority Sister. Her patience was evident when she worked at Heartland Credit Union.
Love and prayers,
Andrea and Bernadine Mikels
Phi Beta Psi Sorority Sisters
Sue Dey
November 7, 2016
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I have many good memories of her and growing up across the street from your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Blackorbys
November 7, 2016
So sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Kevin Davlin
November 7, 2016
So sorry to hear about your loss. May she rest in peace with Our Lord.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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