Frances Elizabeth Ryan
On June 21st, 2010, one of the sweetest angels on earth returned to heaven. Frances Elizabeth Ryan, born October 10th, 1942, loved many, was loved by many, and will continue to be a lasting presence in the lives of all she touched. After a long battle with various complications due to emphysema, she can finally rest peacefully and painlessly and watch over those she loved from above.
 
Fran was preceded in death by her parents Bertha and Fred Sommers, her brother Fred Jr., and her sisters Ann Marie Bruemmer and Dolores Stuckenschneider.
 
Fran is survived by her devoted husband Glenn, daughters Ann and Mary, son-in-law Simon Brobbel, her dear sister Florence Stropes, brother/sister-in-laws Tom and Jean Ryan, and lifelong friend Carol Ditmeyer. She was family and friend to so very many people who will miss her dearly.
 
Fran was the type of person people fell in love with instantly after meeting her. As tiny as she was physically, the size of her heart cannot be matched.  She was truly a special angel among us whose love and devotion knew no bounds.  Family and friends truly meant the world to her and her kindness, gentle nature, and peaceful soul always comforted those around her. Seeing her daughter Ann marry in October 2009 was one of the happiest moments of her life. While she will miss the birth of her granddaughter, finding out that she was going to be a grandmother was one of the most thrilling moments of her life and part of her name will be carried on with the birth of Elizabeth Nell Brobbel in September.
 
Fran had an immense love for animals and took great joy in watching the birds outside her window each day and cuddling for hours with her daughter Mary’s dog, Clover.
 
Her daughters were blessed to have such a wonderful and loving influence in their lives. We can truly say we feel like the luckiest daughters on the planet to have had Fran for our mother and shaping us into who we are today.
 
Gone in body, but never in sprit, Fran will live on in our hearts forever.
 
Arrangements
In lieu of traditional services, a celebration of Fran’s life will be held by family and friends on Saturday, June 26th, 2010.
 
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations to the American Lung Association in Fran’s memory or a favorite charity of your choice.