Margaret Ann Rose Ryan, 86, gained her wings on September 9. She was born October 4, 1939, the daughter of the late Malvin and Thelma Rose Sr. of Greensboro.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Red” Ryan; her son, James Dereck Ryan; her sisters, Betty Rose Meigs, Ruth Landolt Nelson and Patricia Jones Vail; and her brothers, Malvin “Buddy” Rose Jr. and Kenneth Rose.
She is survived by her daughter, Dyan (Steve) Fluty; her grandsons, Tanner (Jennifer) Ryan and Dexter Fluty; a special granddaughter, SaraGrace A. Fluty; and a great-grandson, Cade Oliver Ryan.
Following her high school graduation in 1960 she married James Ryan, who was Jimmy to her. She had a son in 1963 and a daughter in 1967. She left Greensboro and moved to Lakeland Farms in 1967.
She went back to college for four years and got her social work degree, and she worked 25 years for the Alabama Department of Human Resources in Perry County.
It was hard going back to school 18 years after graduating from high school. She made the dean’s list more times than she didn’t, was so proud of her accomplishment, and always said no one can take away my education.
They moved to Heiberger in 1999 and built their first house. She attended Marion Methodist Church for years and raised her family in that church.
After moving to Heiberger they joined Heiberger Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and enjoyed socializing with her church friends.
She enjoyed keeping her grandchildren in the summers, taking them to the swimming pool and to Pizza Hut. She always said moving to Heiberger was the best move they ever made.
She loved walking the streets of Marion with Brenda Cox, and her daughter says they walked 5,000 miles a year for at least 10 years.
She also enjoyed spending time with her neighbors, club meetings, potluck suppers, camping, and traveling out West and to Wyoming and Florida, some of the best times and great memories.
Her daughter, Dyan Fluty, wrote the following.
Margaret was her name, but to me she was my Mama. The kindness she had for others, the sweetest, like an angel, never was ugly to anyone.
I remember as a little girl Mama always smelled so good, she had the best perfumes, always dressed to the T. She was a classy lady.
She was a good cook, just ask any Barton boy and they will tell you. My Mama cooked every night for six to eight years for nine people. Our big round table seated all of us.
We prayed for the food and laughed sometimes till we were tired of laughing. My Mama loved those boys. Their Mama was her best friend and the lady that introduced my Mama to Marion United Methodist Church.
She went to Heaven way too soon. My Mama tried to give them a good meal every night. She truly was one of a kind.
She taught me many things. Number one was how to love the Lord and share the love with others. She supported me through it all and was the best Mama to my brother and me, my best friend.
She loved her family, friends, church, and all our beach trips, and there were many beach trips, sun, sand, seafood.
God has been so good to me and my family. I want to thank each and every one of you that knew my Mama and prayed, befriended her and helped us through the most difficult times. She loved you all.
Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 26, at 4:30 p.m. at Heiberger Methodist Church.
