Frances Ryan

Frances Therese Ryan was born Oct. 3, 1927, in Nisland, S.D. The family moved to Rapid City, S.D., where she attended Immaculate Conception Cathedral elementary and high schools. She graduated in 1945 and continued her education at St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. She served as a registered nurse in North and South Dakota.

On May 7, 1949, she married Lynus (Pat) Ryan. They raised nine children and the family lived in Nebraska, North Dakota and then in Custer. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary and Catholic Daughters of America. She helped start “Meals on Wheels” in Langdon, N.D., and continued to serve the program in Custer. She also participated in special events for Custer’s senior center.

Frances loved to travel and visited family and friends coast to coast. She enjoyed fishing and camping trips, gardening and especially loved singing in her parish choirs.

She died Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, at her home in Custer. She was 82. 

She is survived by her husband, Lynus (Pat) Ryan; sons, Thomas Ryan of Williston, N.D., D. Edward (Kristy) Ryan  of Ft. Payne, Ala., Leo (Lynnette) Ryan  of Jamestown, N.D.; daughters, Cecilia (Jim) Ryan  of Glendale, Ariz., Mary Fran Ryan  of Mountain View, Calif., Jean (Kevin) Doherty  of Franklin, Wis., Kathleen Ryan of Custer, Ellen (Kari) Ryan of Boulder, Colo., and Susan (Joe) Bailey of West Fargo, N.D.; 16 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services were Dec. 23 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer. Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, S.D.

The family suggests memorials to the elevator fund for handicapped accessibility at Custer VFW.

 Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.