Helen Ryan's Obituary
Helen Ruth (Warmkessel) Ryan passed away on November 19, 2022 at the age of 89 at Liberty Village, Clinton, IL. She was born on September 18, 1933 in Allentown PA to Maurice and Eva Warmkessel.
Helen married Wallace Ryan on August 9, 1952 in Allentown, PA. She relocated to Decatur, IL where along with her husband owned/operated Ryan Equipment and Supply, a restaurant/concession equipment and supply company for 39 years. She was a member of Central Christian Church and an avid singer with Sweet Adelines, a worldwide organization of women singers. During her tenure with the Sweet Adelines she performed with multiple choruses and as a member of the Four Friends quartet. She also served as the organizations International President from 1969 to 1971. Representing Sweet Adelines she visited troops on a USO tour and on October 27, 1967 performed at Carnegie Hall. In 2008 she was the first inductee into the Midwest Gateway Region 5 Hall of Fame.
She is preceded in death by her parents, 4 infant daughters (Patricia Ann, Lou Ann, Kathy Sue and December), 1 infant son (Wynn Everett), husband Wallace, her sister Florence and brothers Stanley and Woody.
She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Dial, son Jeff (Suzanne) Ryan, grandchildren Daniel Houser, Kyle Ryan and David Wallace Dial, 2 great grandchildren (Natalie and Seth) and many other family and friends that loved her dearly.
A graveside service will be held on December 2, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Mt Pulaski Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to Helen’s family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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