Ardell Ryan

Ardell Ryan, age 92, formerly of Hurley, SD died April 4, 2016 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg under hospice care. A Celebration of Life service will be at 2:00pm Saturday, April 30, 2016 at the Hurley Legion Hall. A private family burial will be in the Hurley Cemetery. Arrangements by Hofmeister Jones Funeral Home. Ardell Ryan was born on January 14, 1924 in Hurley, SD to Bert and Violet (Christensen) Friman. Ardell attended and graduated from Hurley High School. She was employed as a waitress for several years. When Ardell met the new veterinarian who had recently moved to town, she knew right away that he was someone special. He soon became the love of her life. On April 20, 1950 Ardell and Neil Thomas "Doc" Ryan were united in marriage. The couple built a house just outside of Hurley and began their life together. They had three children, Pam, Pat, and Mary Beth. Ardell stayed home to raise the family and be Doc's receptionist. In 1964 Kathy, their niece, joined the family as their foster daughter. Ardell was an outstanding cook and baker. Her family thoroughly enjoyed the weekly Sunday dinners she prepared followed by an afternoon of visiting and playing cards. Ardell was a life member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Hurley. Both she and Doc volunteered countless hours for the Legion and Auxiliary for several years. After her husband passed away in 1981, Ardell continued to live in their home in Hurley until 2002. At that time, she moved to the Pioneer Villa in Viborg. Ardell continued her love of helping others by volunteering every day at the nursing home until she became physically unable to do it due to her failing health. She was named Community Volunteer of the Year in 2014. Ardell will always be remembered for her fun loving spirit, her sense of humor, and her quick wit. Grateful for having shared her life are her daughters Pam (Pat) Benney, Parker, SD, Mary Beth (Mike) Haiar, Sioux Falls, SD, and foster daughter Kathy (John) Overby, Yankton, SD; 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and a great great grandson, nieces, nephews, and several friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband "Doc", her brother Eldon, her son Pat, and a daughter in law Sue.