Cheryl J. Ryan

Cheryl Jeannette Ryan, daughter of Joseph Wayne Sr. and Juanita May (McKinley) Ryan, was born on February 28, 1949 in Fresno, California, and departed this life on February 14, 2007 at her sister’s residence near Hartville, Missouri, following a long illness. She was 57 years, 11 months, and 16 days of age.
Cheryl grew up in Missouri and attended school in Norwood and Hartville. She had made her home in the Ava, Missouri area for several years.
She was employed as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be truly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Her outspokenness and brilliant sense of humor will be remembered by all as well as the unmatched force of her will. She enjoyed reading, nature, books, and learning new things.
Cheryl was deeply devoted to her family and gave selflessly to all. She had an amazing and positive impact on many lives. She enjoyed deep and ever-broadening spirituality and sought everyday to grow closer to living in God’s image.
Besides her mother, she was preceded in death by two brothers: Michael Ryan and David Ryan; a step-brother: Lowell; and by a step-sister: Sue.
Survivors include her father: Joseph W. Ryan Sr. of Council Bluffs, Iowa; two sons, Eric Bowman and his wife, Stacy of Butler, Pennsylvania, and Lance Bowman of Ava, Missouri; one daughter: Anna May Moreland of Ava, Missouri; eight brothers: Joe Ryan of Stover, Missouri, Jim Ryan of Mansfield, Missouri, Pat Ryan of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kevin Ryan, Dan Ryan, and Tim Ryan, all of the State of Iowa, Bill Kelley of Theodosia, Missouri, and Rick Kelley of Mansfield, Missouri; two sisters, Marilyn Flake of Hartville, Missouri, and Mary Jo Weihs of Council Bluffs, Iowa; six grandchildren: Trevor Bowman, Simon Bowman, Dylan Bowman, Anthony Bowman, Celeste Moreland, and Dominic Bell; three step-brothers: Jesse, Carl, and Noel Dean; two step-sisters: Shirley and Kay; several nieces; nephews; and host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Cheryl Ryan were held Saturday, February 17, 2:00 PM in the St. Francis Anglican Church, Ava, Missouri, with Fr. Glenn Hartley officiating. Grandsons: Trevor and Dylan Bowman had special music. Song selections were “Amazing Grace,” “Down To The River To Pray,” and “Every Grain Of Sand.” Pallbearers were Eric Bowman, Lance Bowman, Trevor Bowman, Simon Bowman, Dylan Bowman, and Anthony Bowman. Burial was in the Thomas Cemetery, Norwood, under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, MO.