Gertrude "Gert" Ryan
May 11, 1921 - November 28, 2015
From: Nevada, IA
Gertrude “Gert” B. Ryan, age 94, of Nevada, died Saturday, November 28, 2015, at Story County Senior Care in Nevada due to complications of a hip fracture.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2015, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, with Pastor David R. Burling officiating. Private family burial will be held in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery with military honors conducted by William F. Ball Post No. 48 of the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gert’s name may be directed to the Memorial Lutheran Church Youth Activity Fund.
Born May 11, 1921, in rural Radcliffe, Iowa, Gertrude Betty (Jacobson) Ryan was the daughter of Olin Martin and Olive Victoria (Swenson) Jacobson. She graduated from Roland High School. During World War II, Gert served as a telegrapher for over two years in the United States Navy Waves.
She was married to Chester M. Ryan on June 14, 1947, in Radcliffe, Iowa. The couple made their home in Nevada where they raised their family of three children. Gert was employed as secretary of secondary education at Iowa State University for many years, retiring in 1989. In later years, she became an integral member of the staff at Chet Ryan Mortuary in Nevada.
Gert was a member and past-president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 48 in Nevada and in 2003, was honored as Grand Marshall of the Memorial Day parade. She enjoyed golfing and playing bridge. Gert possessed a strong faith and was a faithful member of Memorial Lutheran Church and participated in Mary Circle.
Survivors include a son, C. Steven (Laurie) Ryan of Redlands, CA; two daughters, Cynthia (Frank) Ryan-McLain of Nevada, and Cheryl (Al Bradish) Ryan of Nevada; three grandchildren, Jason (Nikki) Ryan, Nicole (Chester Smith) Ryan, and Shawn Ryan; two great-grandchildren, Landon Ryan and Chloe Ryan; a sister, Opal Tjernagel of Madrid; three step-grandchildren, Emily (Sanjay) McLain-Negi, Tina (Joe) Larson, and Frank McLain; and three step-great-grandchildren, Austin Larson, Jenna Larson, and Lenore Negi; as well as other extended family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Chet Ryan on March 3, 1992; three sisters, Lucille Christian, Maxine Hughes, and Violet Morgan; an infant twin brother and sister; and her parents-in-law, C.A. and Caroline Ryan, whom Gert felt were like parents to her.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Gertrude and her family.
Condolences
Monday, September 26, 2016 at 3:32 PM
“Cynthia,
I am just now seeing that your Mother passed away and send you thoughts and prayers.
I will never forget your sincere kindness to me when I called you about my Dad 5 years ago.
I will always remember your parents and grand parents Ryan - many times at the funeral home
as Dad worked.”
- Bruce L Adams
Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 9:52 AM
“I am sorry to hear of your loss. I will always remember your mother as a first class lady.”
- bill croghan
Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 12:18 PM
“So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this sad time.”
- Sue Runge Banks
Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 12:18 PM
“Cindy and family,
We are sorry to hear about your mom. She lived life to the fullest no doubt. I am sorry that we'll be unable to attend the service, but please know you are all in our prayers.
Terry and Anne Stark”
- Terry Stark
Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 12:17 PM
“Cynthia, so aorry to hear about your Momma. What a class act she truly was! She always was dressed to the nines and looked great. She was so proud of what you and your family had built. So sorry..”
- Norm and Ellen Woods and Family
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 3:40 PM
“I know there is nothing I can say to take away your pain. I'm very sorry for your loss. From what I have heard your mother was a wonderful person ”
- Cynthia Atkins Brandl
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:58 AM
“so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She had such grace and tenacity and I remember her most for her enthusiasm for life. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers...
”
- Rhonda Fincham Stevenson
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:58 AM
“I am so sorry to hear about Gert's passing. She was a vivacious, spunky and sweet woman who always had a smile for everyone. God must have needed someone to take charge of something up there, and hence, he chose Gert. Blessings Cynthia and Frank, Cheryl and Al, and all of her family. She was one classy lady!”
- Sue McCaskey
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:58 AM
“Cindi my sympathy on the death of your mother. You were such a help when mom passed. You are in my prayers.”
- Claudette Corbin Staab
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“Cynthia,
My mother told me today that your mother passed away. I am sorry to hear that she has passed but she will never be in pain again and she has gone on to a far better place. We are thinking of you at this time. Our prayers are with you and your family.
In Sympathy and friendship, Valerie Goethals & Mary Jane Goethals & Mary Lou Haddock
”
- Valerie Goethals
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“Cynthia, so sorry to hear about your mom's passing. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
”
- Julie Fitzgerald
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“My sympathies at the loss of your Mother. I had the pleasure of working with Gert at the courthouse many years ago. She was not only a coworker but a true friend. She helped me stay positive and laugh in spite of some personal difficulties. Just a classy lady! ”
- Toni Durby
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“To the Family of Gert Ryan,
My sincere condolences to each of you at this difficult time of closure. My God's arms of comfort be her blanket of rest. Gert was always so kind to help other families at such time of need. Always remember all the positive blessing your family shared. Peace and prayers be with each of you as you embrace her life forever. Respectfully, Jurine Borton Moore”
- Jurine Borton Moore
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“Cindy so sorry for the loss of your mother. She was a very sweet woman and will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to you and the rest of your family. She may be gone but will never be forgotten.
”
- Becky Stoeffler Johnson
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“I would like to send my condolences to the family of Gertrude Ryan. My
Prayers are with her family and friends I am sorry for your loss. I do remember her golfing days with my aunt Clara. She will be missed.”
- Barb Ryan
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:57 AM
“Sympathy & prayers! Grrr was the kindest, sweetest, classy upbeat lady I've ever known! We will miss her. May God's loving arms wrap around you all & give you "Peace" @ this difficult time!!
- God bless !!!”
- Sandi & Craig
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:56 AM
“Cindy and family, so sorry to hear about your mother. She was a good woman. God bless you all!”
- Janet Rainbolt Jacques
Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:56 AM
“Cynthia, Frank, Cheryl and family;
Our thoughts and our prayers go out to you as you go through this very difficult time. I had the chance to work with Gert for a couple of years and believe me she was as professional and classy as they came!We love you guys and are always here for you.............................”
- Carmi Olson
Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:27 PM
“Gert was such a wonderful person. Always so sunny! Our sympathies to the entire family. Linda Hughes Meyers”
- LINDA HUGHES MEYERS
Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:27 PM
“Cheryl and family, I 'm sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Gert was a great person, she will be missed. May my prayers be with you during this time of mourning.”
- Karl Corbin
Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:27 PM
“We are so very sorry for your loss. Gert was a hard working lady and a patriot. We will always remember her as the "Mighty Might"!
Love Alan and Patsy”
- Alan and Patsy Beese
Monday, November 30, 2015 at 1:26 PM
“I remember Gert well from my years growing up in Nevada. They were a sweet, fun and amazing couple and will be missed.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family
Vicki”
- Vicki (Christy) Schnack
Monday, November 30, 2015 at 10:54 AM
“Cynthia: Our sympathy to you and your family. Gert was a great lady. She always looked so nice. I got to play golf with her a few times here in Ames. She and Don's cousin, Lois Twedt Michaelson, were best of friends when they were growing up. ”
- Don & Karen Twedt
Click Here If You Would Like To Leave Your Condolences
