Alice M Ryan

Alice M. Ryan concluded her earthly journey on November 4th, 2015 in the loving care of The Iowa Senior Jewish Life Center in Des Moines. She reached the astonishing age of 107 years and four months and was the most mature senior they have cared for. The family thanks them profusely for their unstinting care. Alice was born one of nine children of William and Bridget Ryan at St. Patricks, The Irish Settlement, in Crawford Township, in rural Madison County, Iowa in 1908. She attended school in a one room school house and was a boarder at the old St. Josephs Academy on Grand Ave. The rest of the family moved to Des Moines upon the death of her father and took up residence at a lovely home on 21st street not far from the Basilica of St. John. She was a long time employee of Younkers and then began a career with the Des Moines office of the IRS. She was courted by and subsequently married to Sylvester F. Ryan in 1952 . They were lifelong partners in the grocery business having owned or been co-owners of several Super Valu stores. They operated stores at various times in Stuart, Carroll and Odebolt. Nearing retirement age they sold the store in Odebolt and moved back to Des Moines to be closer to family. Although no children were born to this union they had numerous nieces and nephews who were lucky to enjoy their love and generosity. They were there for all the important occasions in their nieces and nephews lives. Alice became a widow with Sylvesters death in 1986. She pressed on with the help of her younger sister, Elizabeth Brien, who survives her. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A special note of thanks goes to Dr. Tom Buroker, Ron Ricker and her nephew Tom Brien for their generous assistance in helping Alice to navigate the ending of a long and full life. Services for Alice will be held at Noon on Monday, November 9th, 2015 at the Basilica of St. John, 1915 University Ave. in Des Moines with burial immediately after at Glendale Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Basilica in remembrance of Alice.