Barbara Ryan

Barbara Ryan

Barbara Ryan
December 23, 1930 – February 25, 2016
Pleasantville (Eddyville), Iowa | Age 85

Barbara Ryan, 85, of Pleasantville and formerly of Eddyville died Thursday, February 25, 2016, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella. Barbara was born December 23, 1930, in rural Mahaska County the daughter of Everett and Nina Johnson Schooley.

Barbara graduated from Barnes City High School with the class of 1948, and continued her education at William Penn College. On December 31, 1950, she was united in marriage to James Ira “Ike” Ryan. Ike died August 1, 1988.

Early in her working years, Barbara worked at McGregor’s Furniture, Lyle’s Jewelry and the Carousel in Oskaloosa. Barbara went on to complete her education at Northeast Missouri State College earning her Bachelor of Science in Home Economic Education in 1972. She then took over as the director of the Ottumwa Agency on Aging. While serving as director there Barbara recognized a need for the home bound elderly to have access to wholesome foods, so she initiated the Meals on Wheels program in southeast Iowa. She later went on to serve as the director of a battered women’s shelter in Ottumwa.

In addition to working for various organizations, Barbara was a supportive partner to her husband Ike, attending many school and community functions with him while he was Superintendent of Schools at Eddyville Iowa. Barbara was an active member of the Eddyville Christian Church, where she had served in leadership, P.E.O., Eddyville Chapter, and Soroptimist International. She was also very involved with the Ottumwa Regional Hospital serving on the board of directors and in leadership for the hospital’s ladies auxiliary.

Barbara will be remembered for her quick wit, good sense of humor, and compassion for others. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and community leader.

Her family includes her five children and their spouses: Kelly (& Pam) Ryan of Visalia, California, Kathy (& Rusty) Garland of Woodlake, California, Lynette (& Tom) Atkins of Exeter, California, Tammie (& Gary) Adreon of Pleasantville, Iowa, and Patrick (& Diana) Ryan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-one great grandchildren; and a sister, Sarah (& Myron) Byers of Montezuma.

In addition to her husband, Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister, Esther Steffen.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 29, 2016, at 10 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel in Oskaloosa with David Eickelberg officiating.
Burial will be in the Highland Cemetery at Eddyville. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Sunday after 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 2-4 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to the Eddyville Christian Church.