Ray Ryan

Ray Ryan, age 102, passed away Sunday, November 29, 2009 at Joplin HealthCare Center following a short illness.        Ray was born August 31, 1907, near Schaberg, Arkansas, to Charles and Fannie Mae (Moore) Ryan.  At age ten, Ray and his family traveled by covered wagon to Barton County where he grew up and spent the rest of his life.         On July 2, 1932, at Bentonville, Arkansas, Ray married Ellen Cable and they farmed near Irwin for many years.  In addition to farming, Ray had worked at Lawn Boy, O’Sullivan Industries, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad.  After retiring from farming, Ray and Ellen enjoyed a summer working in Yellow Stone National Park. Ray taught Sunday School classes at Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church and will be remembered as a self-educated scholar and an avid reader.  He was a current member of Lamar United Methodist Church.        Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, December 25, 1998; five brothers; and three sisters.        Survivors include four sons and their wives, Richard & Betty Ryan, James & Shelly Ryan, all of Lamar, Bill & Helen Ryan, Athens, West Virginia, and Irvin & Joyce Ryan, Independence, Missouri; a daughter and son-in-law, Kathleen & Mike Wolfe, Joplin; two brothers, Devoy Ryan, Houston, Texas and Jack Ryan, Jefferson City, Missouri; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; and a large extended family.        A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 5th at Lake Cemetery with Rev. Don Keithly officiating.        Contributions are suggested to Hopewell Presbyterian Church in care of Daniel Funeral Home.        The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday at Daniel Funeral Home.