Gladys Ryan

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Gladys Ryan, 93, of 304 W. Iron St., Bessemer, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Wakefield.

She was born on Aug. 3, 1920, in Ashtabula City, Ohio, the daughter of the late Oscar and Mary (Tuominen) Hallberg.

On April 24, 1943, Gladys married William Francis Ryan in Chicago. They were married for 67 years at the time of William’s passing.

At an early age, Gladys’ family moved to Comet Location in Wakefield. She attended the Wakefield schools. After her marriage, Gladys traveled from coast to coast during World War II, following her husband to his next naval assignment.

After the war, Gladys and Bill settled in Bessemer, where she lived in the same home she loved for more than 60 years. Gladys enjoyed many trips to Marquette to see her grandchildren grow up and was a big part of their lives. In recent years, she has enjoyed trips downstate to see her great-grandchildren.

Gladys and Bill enjoyed sports together and followed the Speedboys for years, attending basketball games until she was almost 80 years old. She was also a member of the VFW Post 3673 Women’s Auxiliary and had many memories of the good times spent there. She will be missed by all those she has left behind.

Gladys is survived by her only son, William Thomas (Cathy) Ryan, of Kissimmee, Fla .; two grandchildren, Kerri (Paul) Richer, of Milford, and William (Nicole) Ryan, of Orlando, Fla .; three great-grandchildren, Luke, Gabe and Hope Richer; and a brother, Alan (Joann) Hallberg, of Menomonee Falls, Wis.

Gladys was also preceded in death by a sister, Bernice Mallosh; and brothers, Willard, Harold, Gerald and Ray Hallberg.

A private family service will be held. Burial will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

Memorial contributions are requested to the Bessemer School Booster Club.

Arrangements are being made by the Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home in Bessemer.