Geraldine Ryan

Geraldine “Gerry” Mae Ryan, 70, passed away Dec. 29, 2008, at her home in Columbia Falls.

Gerry was born in Denton on March 15, 1938, to Ed and Grace Fenner. She graduated from Denton High School in 1957 and received her two-year secretarial degree in Omaha, Neb.

Gerry married Jack Ryan in 1959. Jack, Gerry and their three children moved to Columbia Falls in 1965.

Gerry worked as a certified nurse’s aide at North Valley Hospital until 1983, when she changed positions and became a certified ward secretary. She worked at the hospital for 32 years and retired in 2006.

Gerry was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Red Hat Club. She worked with the Shepherd’s Hand Clinic since 1995 and was very active in the North Valley Hospital Auxiliary.

When she retired as the ward secretary, she became the co-manager of the gift shop at the hospital. Gerry spent a great deal of time making receiving blankets and bibs, knitting baby hats, and sewing Christmas stockings to be given to the babies born at the hospital as well as other children in need.

She donated a significant amount of time toward the Klothes Kloset, which involved making quilts and mending clothes. She had also volunteered on the Heritage Days planning committee for the past five years.

She spent countless hours traveling to the various sporting events of her nine grandchildren. She was a board member for the Glacier Twins Legion baseball team, and during that time, she also spent countless hours fundraising and running the concession stand.

Gerry held a deep love for her family and friends and she was always quick to pitch in, making a pan of rolls for a bazaar, mending clothing, and donating her time to get things done. She was the most kind, generous, loving, patient wife, mother, grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Grace Fenner and brothers Chuck and Larry Fenner.

Gerry is survived by her sister Janet McConville and husband Matt, of Columbia Falls; children Sonya Graham, of Columbia Falls, Kip Ryan and wife Jane, of Big Timber, Clete Ryan and wife Brenda, of Clarkston, and Tonya Atlee and husband Kirk, of Kalispell; grandchildren Dirk and Gage Graham, of Columbia Falls, Daniel, Kayla and Michael Ryan, of Big Timber, Kierra Ryan, of Clarkston, and Shayna, Hannah and Alivia Atlee, of Kalispell;and numerous other family members and friends.

A memorial service took place Jan. 5, 2009, at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gerry Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund may be sent to the United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 27, Columbia Falls MT 59912.