Obituary for
Janice Rae Ryan (Lewis)
Janice Rae Ryan (nee Lewis), loving and beloved wife, mother, teacher and friend died early Sunday morning April 23, 2017, surrounded by family and friends. She was born August 29, 1927, in Collinsville, Illinois. The oldest child of Ralph E. and Anna (Schotter) Lewis, she was the first in her family to have the opportunity to go to college. She graduated from the University of Iowa in 1950 and began her career as a teacher. She married Chester (Chet) Ryan on August 16, 1953, a union that lasted nearly fifty years and brought forth their three sons.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and both of her siblings, Edwin Lewis, and Geraldine Lewis Buhl. She is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Christine) of O'Fallon, Illinois, David (Denise) of Mequon, Wisconsin, and James (Maris) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and two granddaughters, Sarah and Sharon, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Ryan taught ninth grade English for many years at East Junior High School in Alton, and will be remembered as a favorite teacher by many students. She was an active member of Godfrey First United Methodist Church, and for a time served on the board of the United Methodist Village. She was a member of the PEO Sisterhood and the Upper Alton Women's Club.
She loved to travel, read, and direct family matters. She was able to enjoy her love of travel before and for several years after retiring, including trips to Ireland and Italy as well as an African safari. In her final years her ability to travel was limited, but her lifelong love of reading gave her much joy. She gave her last directions on Saturday. She will be fondly remembered by family and her many friends.
Memorials may be given to the Godfrey First United Methodist Church and condolences may be expressed at www.herrfuneral.com.
A gathering of friends and family will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Godfrey First United Methodist Church in Godfrey, Illinois.
A memorial service will be conducted on Saturday May 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Godfrey First United Methodist Church.
