Beverly A. Ryan

BEVERLY A. RYAN Beverly A. Ryan, age 78, of Marshall, died at her home on Sunday, October 01, 2006, in the loving care of her family. Bev was born March 18, 1928 in Ludington to Henry and Anna (Anderson) Ernst. She graduated from Ludington High School in 1946, and then attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, from where she graduated with her Bachelor''s degree in Education. After graduation, she taught elementary school in Lansing for two and one half years. While at Western, Bev met Carl Ryan. The couple fell in love and were married on December 20, 1952 in Lansing. Bev and Carl moved to Marshall when Carl went to work at State Farm Insurance Company''s Regional Office. They were only supposed to live here for 2 years, but stayed! Bev started early elementary education in Marshall in 1953. She taught through 1955, and took a break from teaching as she and Carl started their family together. In 1961 she again took up teaching in Marshall at the elementary level, and taught until her retirement in 1987 from Gordon School. Bev loved the children she taught, and formed relationships that have lasted the rest of her life with many of them. After her retirement she returned to the Marshall School System to substitute teach for a number of years. Bev and Carl were faithful members of the Trinity Episcopal Church. Since her retirement, the couple have spent winters in Florida. She enjoyed being a member of the "Red Hat Society" in Venice. She was a member of Marshall Retired Teachers. Bev and Carl were familiar sights in Marshall during the good weather on their daily walks and bicycle rides. They enjoyed a number of bicycle trips, including places in Europe and Australia. Mainly because of her marriage to Carl, Bev became a tolerant, yet enthusiastic, University of Michigan football fan! Surviving are her husband Carl; their sons and daughter-in-laws, Craig (Lisa) Ryan of Bloomington,IL, Scott (Sheila) Ryan of St. Simons Island, GA, and Todd (Tammy) Ryan of Hillsdale; their grandchildren Laura Schwartz, Kevin Ryan, Danielle Ryan, Leslie Ryan, Stephen Ryan, and Margaret Ryan. She was preceded in death by her brother Ross Ernst, her sister Jackie Bonser, and half sister Dolores Carlson. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2PM to 9PM, where family will be present to greet friends and share memories from 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM Funeral services to celebrate her life and her Lord will be held on Wednesday at 11AM at Trinity Church with Rev. Leonard Brinkmoeller officiating. Interment will follow in Oakridge Cemetery. The family suggests that those who wish to make a memorial contribution direct it to either Lifespan Hospice or Trinity Church. Assistance with memorials is available at Kempf Funeral Home. To sign the on line guest register and leave a personal message for the family, please visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.