Ruth Clarinda Ryan

Ruth C. Ryan, 99, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 29, 2011, at Trinity Nursing and Rehab.

Ruth was born January 5, 1912, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was married to Leonard L. Ryan on June 25, 1931 in Roeland Park, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 29, 1999.

Ruth worked as a nurse's aid during World War II at Bell Memorial Hospital, which is now KU Medical Center. She also operated her own embroidery shop for over 50 years and was a seamstress for the church altar guild.

Ruth was a member of St. Michael and All Angels Daughters of the King, Abdallah Shrine- Daughters of the Nile Wild Cards, and volunteered with the Trinity Nursing and Rehab Auxillary.

She is survived by a daughter, Beverly Jo Hedquist; two grandsons, Mike Swanson and wife Susie, and Jeff Swanson and wife Sherri; five great grandchildren, Krista, Kate, Amy, Jimmy, and Hannah; and eight great great grandchildren. Ruth is preceded in death by her children James Michael Ryan, Constance Lee Ryan and grandson, James Swanson.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, 6630 Nall Avenue, Mission, Kansas 66202.

Visitation and Memorial Service

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee. Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Friday, February 4, 2011, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.