Ryan, Harriet M.

Harriet M. Ryan passed away peacefully at her home in Grundy Center on Sunday, May 12, 2013, after a long battle with kidney disease.

Harriet was born Sept. 10, 1927, to Willis McKinley Ryan and Alathea Hoffman Ryan Kent in rural Chelsea, Iowa. Harriet married Lawrence “Pat” McGregor on Dec. 9, 1955, in Cedar Rapids. He preceded her in death on Sept. 2, 1994.

Harriet is survived by her daughters, Nancy Davis (Bob Johnson) of Cedar Rapids and Greta (Jim) Pennell of Indianapolis.

Also surviving is her sister, Irene (Virgil) Kasal of Chelsea; brother, Donald (Kathy) Kent of Florida; her half brother, Willie (Jackie) Ryan of Centerville, Ohio; and half sister, Sharon Ryan of Circleville, Ohio.

Other survivors include a sister-in-law, Betty Fox and brother-in-law, Don Ohlen. Two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive.

Harriet was a graduate of Belle Plaine High School class of 1945. She worked for LeFebure and Crest Technologies in Cedar Rapids and later for Family Foods in Grundy Center. Harriet was a life member of the DAR and the North American Fishing Club. Her greatest joy in life was fishing. She loved showing off her small mouth bass and recounting her thrill in catching it. She also enjoyed hunting for morels in the spring and squirrels in the fall.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; daughter, Catherine Higgins Starr; two sisters, Georgetta Ohlen and Donna Syphrit; and grandson, Dale Davis.

The family wishes to thank the dialysis unit of Grundy Center, especially her nurses Sandy, Lorraine and Candy for the excellent care given to Harriet over the years.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Published in The Gazette May 15, 2013.