Beatrice "Betty" Mae Ryan

Beatrice "Betty" Mae Ryan (Baker), age 91 of Mt. Morris, Illinois passed away suddenly in the early morning hours of Friday December 28th, 2018. Betty was born April 28, 1927 in Dixon Illinois to Dallas and Lillian Baker. She was a proud "Mounder" graduating from Mt. Morris High School in 1945. In 1948 she would complete nurses training at St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford Illinois. Later that year Betty took a position in St. Louis. While serving as a nurse with the V.A. she met Allen Ryan, who was stationed nearby with the Army Air Corps. The couple married on June 26th, 1949 in Oregon Illinois. Betty and Allen would have two daughters, Kathleen and Susan, and one grandson Kevin. Betty followed the call of nursing for the rest of her life. She was a proud advocate of the profession and always showed deep appreciation to those who served in it. Her last post was at Pinecrest Manor where she served for 23 years as an RN, assistant to the director of nursing and acting director of nursing. Sewing, crafts, cooking and holiday decorations were just a few of hobbies she enjoyed. Betty was a constant reader of romance novels trading them by the dozen with used bookstores. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church Women at St. Brides and the Red Hat Society. After retirement, Betty dedicated much of her time to the care of her parents. She was preceded in death by her parents Dallas, Lillian and her husband Allen. Betty is survived by her children Kathleen and Susan; Sue's husband Ronald Deen; Brother Robert Baker; Grandson Kevin Ryan; Nephews/Niece: Kathy and Marty Toms; Scott and Brenda Grobe, David and Jenny Baker, Lenny Grobe, Richard Baker. Cousins: Barbra Bowman; Grandnephews/nieces: Jeremy, Chris, Tim, Meagen, Brianna, Kaitlyn and Lauren Grobe; Kelly and Nicholas Baker; great niece and nephew: Lucas and Kelsi Bender. Betty will be laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery following a small family ceremony on Friday January 4th, 2019 at 9:30 AM; with a visitation and memorial service to follow at St. Brides Episcopal Church in Oregon, Illinois. Visitation is from 10:30 A.M. until 11: 30 A.M. followed by a brief memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pinecrest Manor's Good Samaritan Fund and St. Brides. The family would especially like to thank the nurses and staff of Pinecrest Manor for their care of Betty.