Mary Ryan
May 24, 1926 ~ March 28, 2014
Mary C. Ryan, age 87, of New Hampton, IA, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2014 at Mercy Medical Center of North Iowa in Mason City, IA.
Mary Clara Ryan was born on May 24, 1926, daughter of Arthur and Stella (Weber) Bockenstedt on a farm near Earlville, IA. She was raised in the Greeley, IA area and graduated from Greeley consolidated school in 1946. She worked at various jobs before marrying Ben Ryan at St. Joseph's Church in Greeley on June 12, 1952. They lived for a short time in Dallas, TX and West Union, IA before moving to New Hampton in 1953. She was a full time homemaker and devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of Holy Family Parish, Rosary Society and Mercy Medical Center Auxiliary. She will be remembered by family and friends for her quiet unassuming demeanor and her specialties of cream cookies, cinnamon rolls, buck wheat pancakes and strawberry jam.
Mary is survived by her husband Ben of 61 years; two sons Ron (Lucy) Ryan of St. Louis, MO and Tom (Nancy) Ryan of New Hampton, IA; one daughter Ann (Jeoff) Block of West Des Moines, IA; six grandchildren, Angela (Jason) Gibson of Boone, IA, Ted and Max Ryan of St. Louis, MO, Jenna (Kris) Feldmann of Washington, MO, Ashley Block of Austin, TX and Jacob Block of West Des Moines, IA; one great grandson Logan Gibson; three sisters Judy Nurre of Edgewood, IA, Nancy (Roger) Beatty of Edgewood, IA and Dolly Tilp of Rock Island, IL; sister-in-law Genevieve Krieger of Manchester, IA; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Stella Bockenstedt; one brother Daniel Bockenstedt; two sisters Maxine Westrom and Grace Griffin; three brothers-in-law Herb Westrom, Gary Tilp and Dr. Charles Griffin; and sister-in-law JoAnn Bockenstedt.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
George and I extend our deepest sympathy to Ben and all of the Ryan family. Mary was the epitome of kindness, compassion, grace, and motherly love. What a treasure. She will be missed by many. Praying for your family. ~ Kathy and George Bouska Here is a poem for you Life is a journey of sweetness and sorrow, Of yesterday’s memories and hopes for tomorrow, Of pathways we choose and detours we face With patience and humor, courage and grace, Of joys that we’ve shared and of people we’ve met Who have touched us in ways we will never forget. As you go through this time of sadness, may you know in your heart how very much other care
Nick and I are so sorry to hear of this news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ben and the entire Ryan family. Nick and Kendra Leibold
Ann – My heart is sad for you after hearing about your mothers passing. A mothers love is like no other. Remember all your fond memories in the next few days when you are feeling sad. She wouldnt want you to be unhappy. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Ben family, extending our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you for the loss of Mary. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. God Bless you and comfort you.
Ben and Family – we are sorry to hear of Marys passing. She always had a smile to share with others. Share your memories to bring a smile to you, as well. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Russ Angie Laures
Ben and family, I am so sorry for your loss of such a sweet, kind lady. We had some fun times visiting and playing cards at our house or yours. My heart aches for you, Ben and family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Mrs. (Bob) Diana Clites
Ben and family, We want you to know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you. Marge and Dave Mayo
Ben and Family My deepest sympathy to all of you. Mary was truly a dedicated mother, wife and Catholic. We served on the same Circle at St. Joes for many years. I feel truly blessed to have known your entire family. God Bless you each and every one. Mary Wegner
Ben and family. My sympathy is with you at this time. Mary was a remarkable person and I always enjoyed our visits when she was at the apartment. She always had a smile on her face and something kind to say. I will miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Carma Bouska
Ben and Family~my sympathy to you. Aunt Mary was such an inspiration to me growing up. I have such happy memories of coming to visit you. Mary was always so positive and caring. We will all miss her. Love to you all. Joanie
Ben, Ron, Tom, Ann and your families Our hearts go out to you at the loss of the kind and gentle woman that Mary was. May your memories comfort you and may the knowledge that Mary is in Gods loving hands bring you peace. Dan and Carolyn Shaw
Ben,Ron,Tom and Ann-In your time of sorrow our thoughts and prayers will be with you.Brad and Tess Sheehy
Dear Ben and all the Ryan family. We are so sorry for your loss. Mary was such a sweet and upbeat lady. Remember our last encounter last summer at a main street event. You will miss her but keep sharing her story with your family and friends.
Dear Ben, Ron, Tom, Ann and all of the Ryan family, Our heartfelt sympathy to you and all of your loved ones. Mary was a dear friend. We also will miss her smiles, and all of the fun times we enjoyed together. Know she is in a happy place in heaven, looking down on all of us. Weve been blessed knowing her, and calling her our dear “Friend”. Love and prayers, Harry and Vivian Zipse
Dear Ben, Tom and the entire family, Dave and I would like to express our sympathy to all of you and to let you know how sad we were to hear about Mary. Mary always had the most beautiful smile on her face that lit up the whole place. There is never an easy time to lose a loved one but we all know Mary is in a wonderful place and will be looking down on all of usOur prayers go out to all of you. Sandy and Dave Jaschen
My sincere sympathy to Ben and the Ryan family. Our family will never forget the kindnesses extended to our Mom and Dad when they moved into their apartment on S. Chestnut in the late 60s. May she rest in peace. -Walt Schilling
Our sympathy and prayers to you Ben and the entire Ryan family. Mary was a delightful lady to visit with and she always had that wonderful smile. She has now reached her eternal Kingdom and will be waiting for her family to join her. May she now rest in peace.
Our sympathy and prayers to you, Ben and your family. We always enjoyed visiting with you and Mary. We loved her cheerful attitude and wonderful smile. May the Angels in Heaven sing with great joy as she enters the eternal Kingdom.
Ryan Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brad, Maureen and Lowell Northrup
To the Ryan family, sorry to hear of Marys passing. Always enjoyed sitting in front of them in church. She had a beautiful smile. My prayers are with you.
To the Ryan Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss in your lives. We enjoyed the many times we were with Mary and Ben. Mary was always joyful and happy. We should all be like that. We wish you comfort and peace knowing Mary is in her heavenly home. Louise and Donn Harris
Ben and All of Marys Family, We are so sorry for your great loss.Our Sympathy is with you all. Remembering all of your special times together will help you at this time.Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all.Tom and Marian Gebe;
Ben and family- we want to express our sympathy and we keep you all in our prayers. Duane Pat Lynch
Ben and family, Jim and I are so sorry for your loss. Mary will be very missed at McDonalds . Mary was a very sweet and kind lady .Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Dear Ben, and all your family, We send our condolences and we do remember how sweet and caring she was and how she loved her family very much and spoke highly of all of you. We will miss her beautiful smile. Ginny Stan Laures
Dear Ben, Tom, Ann, Ron and all of your families I am so sorry for your loss. Mary was such a sweet, kind and loving person and I know will be missed greatly. I always enjoyed visiting with her and never heard her complain. She always had a smile for everyone. God bless each one of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Rose Baltes and family
Ann and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thinking of you during this difficult time. God bless. – Whitney and Brandon Thompson
Ben and Family, So sorry to see that Mary pass. Our heart goes out to you in this difficult time. I know Mom and Dad had so many fun times with you. Dad so enjoyed reminiscing about the trip you took out West.. You are in our hearts and prayers. Bruce and Shelley (Mixdorf) Verink
Ben and family I am so sorry to hear about Mary. My mom (Helen Angell) sent me an e-mail to let me know about the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your families. Liz (Angell) Geerts and Family
Ben, Tom, Ann, Ron and families- You have our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear Mary. She was always such a soft spoken lovely lady. She will be dearly missed not only by you but by the entire community. We are still out of State and sorry we will not be able to attend her funeral. Take comfort in all the happy memories you have. Rich and Marge TeKippe
Ryan family you have our deepest sympathy. She was a very kind and gentle lady.
To the entire Ryan family, We are sorry to hear of your loss. Take comfort in all your wonderful memories of Mary.
Truly a gracious and lovely lady. So sorry Ben must say goodbye.
Ben and family, We were sorry to hear of Marys passing. My parents not only thought of you as family but also as wonderful friends who they enjoyed spending time with. They had many good times with you . We know that this is a difficult time your memories will bring some comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Ken and Mary Mixdorf Conlee
Ben and family. My sincere sympathy for your loss. It is reassuring to know that Mary was a Christian and will now be waiting in Heaven for us to one day to see her again.. May the glory be to God for His salvation and choosing this lovely woman to enter His Kingdom. My thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time. Dave Eschweiler
Ben and Ryan family I am so sorry to hear about Mary. Our sympathy is with you and the family. Robin and Jon Mixdorf
Ben Jr. And family I am so sorry to hear about Mary. I will always remember and think about her beautiful smile when ever we saw you. You both we were very special to Mom and Dad and all of us. We will keep you in our prayers Julie Mixdorf Read
Ben, Tom, Nancy and family, You have our sincere sympathy for your loss. Mary was such a lovely woman~always so kind and thoughtful. Treasure the memories of times you enjoyed together as a family. Joe and Sharon Haskovec
Ryan family – the Jones family is thinking of you all and sending our sympathy. We all have great memories of Mary, especially from our younger years as neighbors. She always had a smile for everyone, she will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Ben, Ron, Tom and Ann – Larry and I were very saddened to hear about Marys passing. Great memories quickly ran through our minds of the fun times our families enjoyed many years ago especially all o f the home- baked cookies and breads, etc. when we were neighbors. Time flies by but our love remains. We are very grateful for your visit with us a few years ago in AZ. Please accept our sincere sympathy during this most sad times. Darlene and Larry Jones and families.
No heart breaks alone for God is always near. When a prayer is whispered God is alway there to hear. When sorrows overwhelming, He comforts tenderly. A single tear never falls that he does not hear(Psalms 652)
Ann and family sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. You and all your family have my sincere sympathyDeb Weidler
Dear Ryan family, just heard about your loss today! So sorry about that! I cherish very intense personal memories of Mrs. Ryan. Memories never fade as they live with us forever. My thoughts are always with you. All my love and prayers, Slvia Regina Nehring Cogo, from Brasil.