Jeannette Ryan

Jeannette Ryan, of Great Falls, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at her home.A vigil service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2014 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. The funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Father Jay Peterson presiding. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Jeannette was born in Walla Walla, Washington on September 18, 1926. Her mother, Loretta LaBarre Bade died when Jeannette was two years old, and her father, William Bade brought her to Great Falls where she was raised by her aunt and uncle, now her new parents, George and Mabel Merrill.She attended Great Falls schools and graduated high school in 1944. She graduated from the College of Great Falls in 1947 with a BA in Education. While in college she met the handsome WWII veteran, William D. Ryan. It was love at first sight. Jeannette taught in Whitefish, MT and Vancouver, WA. Bill followed her to Vancouver where they married. They then returned to Great Falls. Bill and Jeannette raised a large and close family of eight children. She managed a loving home, taking care of her invalid in-laws, Phil and Annie Ryan, and her nephew, Dan Ryan.When the children were older she was a substitute teacher in the "public" schools system and taught kindergarten for 10 years at the Ursuline Center. Young children were one of her greatest pleasures. She collected enough funny things kids say quotes to rival Art Linkletter.She cared for Bill at home as his health deteriorated. Bill passed away in 2005. She looked forward to their eternal reunion and plans on watching with Bill from above her family left behind.Jeannette is survived by her sister, LaVae (Sam) Atkins; children Sheila (Jay) Conlon, Maureen (Bill) Neff, Donnell (Terri) Ryan, Mary Lou (Rich) Matoon, Bill (Elaine) Ryan, Michele (Dan) Buhl, Jim (Kim) Ryan, and Lorrie (Bruce) Halcro; 32 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandsons.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister Serene Merrill; and brother Donnell Merrill.Job well done mom, love you forever.Memorials in Jeannettes name may be made to the Ursuline Center, 2300 Central Ave., Great Falls, MT 59401 or Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.