William Stanley Ryan, Jr

William Stanley Ryan (February 14, 1925-January 4, 2024) of The Plains OH passed peacefully to God following illness.  Bill was 98 and is survived by his loving wife, Gladene; they married August 1952.  He is survived by his children: daughter-in-law Beth, Janette, Kevin & Leticia, Carla, and Merlin. He is also survived by grandchildren Hannah, Ramona’s children Gwendolyn, Paloma & Gerson and their father Luis.  He was preceded in death by his children Jason, Ramona and son-in-law Tom. 

Bill was born at his grandparents’ home in Athens OH and lived most of his early years on the family farm.  He graduated locally from Alexander High School and later Coyne Electrical School in Chicago after which he traveled and worked in several locations.  During the 1940s he worked at a Maryland CPS Camp, and upon return to Athens he worked and supervised the former Athens Mental Health Center farm crews.  He returned to Ohio after work in Michigan to be employed at Ohio University’s Airport and then as a stationary engineer until retirement.

Bill loved to travel and had an ‘itchy’ foot which reflected in his love of travel throughout most of his life.  Other lifetime interests were railroads/trains and flying (Cessnas).

Bill and Gladene welcomed Ohio University international students from around the globe as host parents from 1960s - 1990s. Many enjoyed a prolific correspondence with Bill and are still in touch with family to date.  Bill and Gladene were “grandparents” to many international students’ children and participated wholeheartedly in these honorary grandchildren’s life events.

Bill was a devoted leader of weekly Bible studies to the local county jail almost 40 years and well into his 90s. 

A celebration of Bill’s life starts 1 PM at The Plains (OH) Methodist Church April 20, 2024.  In lieu of flowers Gladene suggests donations to their favorite charity:  Mission to the Amish Ministry; 569 US 250; Greenwich OH 44837.

Those wishing to share a story, fond memory, or their condolences, please visit MOVCremation.com (Mid-Ohio Valley Cremation Society)