Betty J. Ryan

Betty (Atterberry) Ryan, age 75, of Lamar, MO died Thursday March 5, 2015 at Freeman Hospital of a sudden illness.  Betty was born on March 19, 1939 in Laclede County, Missouri to Donald and Margie (Devore) Atterberry.  After graduating from Stoutland Missouri High School, she worked in Springfield, Missouri where she met and married Richard Ryan on January 1961.  They had celebrated 54 years of marriage. In 1966 they moved to Lamar, Missouri where they raised their three children, Tom Ryan, Melinda Ryan, and Christy Ryan. Betty was well known for her talent in flower arranging.  She operated her own flower and gift shop for several years and later worked for two florist shops in Lamar.  She also worked at the Precious Moments Wedding Chapel in Carthage, Missouri for five years.  She loved bluegrass music and took up the mandolin in order to play with their many musical brothers and sisters.  Betty, along with her husband are of the Protestant faith and are members at Milford Christian Church. Betty is survived by her husband Richard, of the home; one son, Tom (Shawna) Ryan of Lamar, Missouri; two daughters, Melinda (Ron) Boyer of Santa Clarita, California and Christy Ryan of Lamar, Missouri. Also surviving are her brother, Francis (Sue) Atterberry, of Springfield, Missouri; nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, as well as a host of extended family and friends. There will be a memorial service at 2:00 pm Thursday, March 12, 2015 at Milford Christian Church.  A private family interment of her ashes will be in the family plot at Lake Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, P.O. Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061