Margaret "Pauline" Ryan

Margaret “Pauline” Ryan, age 90, of Melrose, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the Monroe Care Center in Albia. Pauline was born on January 19, 1932, at home in Georgetown, IA, to Leo and Marie (Coady) Flattery. She grew up attending school in Georgetown and graduated in the class of 1949. On June 7, 1955, she was united in marriage to Eddie Ryan. They were blessed with 5 children, Denny, Jane, Alan, Tim, and Todd. Pauline and Eddie shared 43 years of marriage prior to his passing on July 31, 1998. Pauline owned and operated The Ole Red Barn in Melrose. She worked at the ASCS office for many years, starting out as a secretary and working her way up to office manager. She was also a cashier for Wilson’s/Elliott’s in Moravia for several years. Pauline was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose, where she taught CCD classes. She was also a member of the Altar and Rosary Society and the Green Hat Society. She was very proud of her Irish Heritage and looked forward to attending the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Des Moines. She enjoyed being outdoors, boating, and traveling to the Ozarks and Ireland. She also enjoyed ceramics, was an excellent cook, and loved to dance. Pauline liked “knowing the know and being in the know.” Pauline cherished her grandchildren and relished in attending their different events. Above all else, Pauline enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Pauline is survived by 4 children, Denny Ryan, Jane Mason, Tim (JoAnn) Ryan, and Todd (Melissa) Ryan; 7 grandchildren, Nicole (Matt) Kroul, Ryan Mason, Emily (Jason) Kay, Cullen Ryan, Nate Ryan, Nic (Taegen) Ryan, and Katherine Ryan; and 5 great grandchildren, Leighton, Brady, Jacie, Merreck, and Reese. Pauline is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Ryan; a son, Alan Ryan; a son-in-law, Neil Mason; and her siblings, Mark, Dave, Alan, and Lenore. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose, with Pauline’s family present throughout to greet family and friends. A Rosary led by Deacon Ed Kamerick will be held at 7:00 p.m. immediately followed by a Christian Wake Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, January 19, 2023, on Pauline’s 91st birthday, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose, with Father Mark Yates, C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Memorials have been established to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose or St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Georgetown.

Margaret "Pauline" Ryan

January 19, 1932 - January 15, 2023