RYAN, Eileen Ann Jul 14, 1928 – Mar 7, 2013 Eileen Ann Ryan passed away on March 7, 2013 surrounded by loving family members and in the home she shared with her husband, Dr. Wayne Ryan. Eileens faith served her well throughout her life; it gave her solace and peace in her final days. Eileen was born on July 14, 1928 in Humphrey, NE, to Michael and Celia Krebs. The youngest of six children, Eileen grew up on the family ranch, west of Petersburg, NE. A local school teacher resided with the family, making education an important and unavoidable element in family life. When Eileen was eight, the family moved from their rural home into town. At 13, she lived with an older sister in Albion, NE, for a year before rejoining her parents and relocating to Omaha. In Omaha, Eileen attended St. Marys, an all-girl high school. Her early focus on education allowed her to graduate at age 16. Still interested in pursuing additional education, Eileen attended Duchesne College in Omaha. Eileen began managing the night shift at Mutual Benefits Health and Accident Association. Thats where she met her husband, Wayne, introduced to him by his brother, Don. Eileen and Wayne were married in 1948. Wayne continued his education at Creighton University and the University of Missouri in Columbia. Their first child, Connie, was born in 1952. Soon after, Wayne accepted a position on the Creighton medical school faculty. The familys association with and dedication to Creighton continues today. In 2009, the Wayne and Eileen Ryan Athletic Center was dedicated. Daughter Connie Ryan serves on the Creighton Board of Directors. Eileen was a generous and caring person, said Beth Mueller, a good friend of many years. Eileen was raised in humble surroundings, and she kept that humility throughout her life. Beth recalled numerous occasions of Eileens generosity including many spontaneous acts of charity. When Eileen was picking up a prescription, she realized another woman at the pharmacy did not have enough money to pay for her prescription. Eileen discreetly asked if she could pay for both their prescriptions. That generosity combined with her passion for education was seen in continuing and sustaining acts as well. Eileen was as insightful as she was generous. She seemed to know what to do and when to do it. She would see a need and just help, said Beth. Beth said Eileen was a true friend. She said, Eileen was a great strategist when playing bridge. The two were active members of a local bridge club. We traveled together, shared stories of our lives and our families, and she always laughed at my jokes. Eileen is survived by her husband, Wayne; her five children, Connie Ryan of Omaha, Timothy Ryan of Omaha, Stacy Ryan (Brad Focht) of Omaha, Carol Ryan (Bill Mula) of Chicago, IL, and Steve Ryan (Lindsay) of Elkhorn; her brother Art Krebs (Phyllis) of Council Bluffs, Iowa and sister Thelma Krohn of Albion. Grandchildren include Matthew (Courtney), Nick and Carrie Kreifels; Megan, Ryan, Sean and Tim Coffey; Emily Ryan; and Tyler and Ava Ryan. Great grandchildren include Reagan and John Kreifels. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Celia Krebs, sisters Florence Samson and Delores Kramer, and brother Kenneth Krebs. The family will receive friends Sunday, March 10, 4pm to 5pm with VIGIL SERVICE at 5pm at the West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL Monday, March 11 at 10am at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. PRIVATE INTERMENT, Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Emergency Pregnancy Service, St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, or Christ Child Center.
HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900
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