Rose “Rosie” Marie Ryan

Rose “Rosie” Marie Ryan

North Liberty

Rose “Rosie” Marie Ryan, of Iowa City, formerly of North Liberty, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Helen (nee McElligott) Ryan, and all her siblings; Rita and (Jerry) Landherr, Bernard Ryan, Louis and (Mary) Ryan, Marian (Russ) Steins, Donna (John McKimmy, Bob Hansen, BobTalley.

Rosie was born on the Ryan family farm, near Ryan, Iowa, Nov. 1, 1926, and grew up there. Rosie went to nursing school at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, graduating in 1948. She started her career as an RN at the VA Hines Hospital in Chicago but returned home to care for her ill father until his death in ’49. In 1951, Rosie transferred to Long Beach, Calif., VA hospital so she could assist her sister, Marian, prepare for the birth of her first child, since her husband was serving in the Korean War. In 1952, she returned to the VA Hospital in Iowa City, until her retirement in 1983. Rose was a talented bowler and met her best friend, Mary Ellen Harvey, at bowling league events. In 1972, making an anonymous offer via their attorney, Rosie and Mary Ellen prevailed and became owner/operator/partners in the Pleasant View Lodge, a popular country bar and restaurant on Mehaffey Bridge Road, near North Liberty.

In 1973, in addition to still working at the VA and at the Lodge, Rosie and Mary Ellen welcomed Rosie’s mother, Helen Ryan, to come and live with them. They cared for her until her death in 1991. In her free time, Rosie enjoyed bowling, dancing, fishing, and travel. She and Mary Ellen were also 30-year season ticket holders for the Hawkeye women’s basketball team.

Rosie is survived by her longtime friend and partner, Mary Ellen Harvey; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Rosie was a role model for many, quietly helping others, never complaining. She will be sorely missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, where a rosary will be said beginning at 9 a.m. followed by a brief time of visitation before the Mass. Following Mass, a reception will be held at the church prior to the graveside services scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery in Ryan, Iowa. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family, please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website at www.gayandciha.com.