Donita Marie Ryker
December 16, 1947 – August 19, 2025
Donita Marie Ryker was born on December 16, 1947, in Tecumseh, Nebraska, to Ervin and Florence Ullsperger. She died on August 19, 2025, in the presence of family and under the care of Ovation Heartwood Preserve in Omaha.
Donita attended rural school in Cook, Nebraska, before completing her senior year at St. Ann’s Catholic School in Lexington. She returned to Beatrice, where she studied cosmetology and discovered her lifelong passion for hairdressing, a vocation she carried with her throughout her life.
In 1970, Donita moved to Pensacola, Florida, where she met Richard Ryker, a flight instructor in the United States Navy. They were married and shared 53 years together. After welcoming their children, the family settled in west Omaha in 1980, where Donita lived the rest of her life.
Joy radiated from Donita’s personality when she was in the presence of family, friends, and even strangers. She found strength in Bible study and was inspired by music all her life, regularly attending the Omaha Symphony. Donita delighted in the natural world, especially tending to her plants and flowers and visiting Lauritzen Gardens. Beyond all else, she cherished every moment with her family.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Ryker; her loving children, Barrett Ryker and Bethany Ryker (Don Madden); and her dear brother, Arlyn (Tarri) Ullsperger. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three infant siblings.
Donita will be remembered for her warmth, her creativity, and the love she gave so generously to those around her.
VISITATION: Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until the time of VIGIL SERVICE at 5:00 p.m., West Center Chapel.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 15353 Pacific Street, Omaha.
INTERMENT: Omaha National Cemetery at 1:30PM, 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, 68138.
Memorials are suggested to the Arthritis Foundation.
The Vigil and Mass will be live-streamed. Please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
6 Comments
Commander Ryker,
My sincerest condolences on your loss. The obituary is correct, Donita always had a lovely disposition. You raised two excellent children who are now very protective members of society. We shared many a lunch hour reminiscing about Little Rock Terminal, in the UP Museum, and picking up music for Beth during our visits to Council Bluffs yard; your love for Donita was ever-present . I pray that she is now pain free.
My sympathies to all of Donita’s family. I have not known any of you well, but Donita and I were very close as kids and remained in contact throughout our lives. Very sweet, kind and proud of all of her family. God bless you as you travel down this road of grief. Bruce and Dianne Riensche
Deepest condolences to the Ryker family from a friend of Bethany. I had the pleasure of meeting Donita once when she was on a visit to NY. I was touched by her sweet, graceful nature. Reading this eulogy, I see how many interests she and Bethany shared, especially their love of music and plants. What a legacy..Holding her family in my thoughts.
Dear Dick, Bethany and Barrett,
We were so very sorry to hear that Donita passed away. We loved her from the moment we met her up in Brunswick, Maine. We were in the same squadron, and we were neighbors as well. Most of all, we were friends, and our friendship has lasted all these years. She was the sweetest, kindest and most thoughtful friend anyone could ask for. We will always cherish our last visit with Dick and Donita when they came to see us in Atlanta. It was as though no time had passed at all. Please know that we are thinking of your family and keeping you all in our prayers. May you rest in peace, dear friend.
Love,
Sharon and Roger
My condolences my friend. It’s great to hear you were such a good husband for her.
Ron
Dick and family, my deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers.
Sign Guestbook