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In memory of

Hildegard B Ryan

Sun Lakes, AZ, USA

May 2, 1937 - November 26, 2020

May 2, 1937 - Nov 26, 2020

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Hildegard Ryan, 83 passed away November 26, 2020, in Sun Lakes Arizona.

Hildegard was born on May 2, 1937, in Augsberg Germany during World War II. She was forced to grow up fast and experienced so much life at such a young age. At the age of four, she was sent by train to a farm with her infant brother and there she heard cows and grew up fast. Hildegard always spoke fond memories of the farmhouse and her second family that took great care of her during troubled times. After graduating from school she worked as a seamstress. She dreamed big and was not afraid of change.

In 1955, she met Morris Ball in her home town, and they wed on February 9, 1955, A few weeks later she boarded along with about 20 other ladies and thousands of soldiers on a large US Navy ship and was on her way to the United States of America. It took ten days to sail to the promised land where she saw the Statue Of Liberty on her way in to dock the ship and there she met up with her husband to start her new life in the USA. Not long after coming to the United States she had three children, Anita Craig, Steve Ball, and waited 11 years for Jennifer Ball.
She earned her United States citizenship in 1960. This was a huge accomplishment and not an easy task because simultaneously she was learning English, learning about her new home, and running a household while raising children. Multi-tasking was her mastery!

When Hildegard had Anita, she decided to dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. She was an excellent cook and baker. She also had a talent for knitting and sewing.
Hildegard excelled at propping up the family and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. She believed in working hard and always doing things with all your heart and soul.

In 1973 she divorced.
She did her best as a single mom in a world where divorce was still a bit taboo, however, she was a mighty force and kept the dreams alive.
She found herself working outside the home at JC Pennys she dedicated 10 years to the furniture department. Then her career leads her to Homestead House and finally finishing her career journey to Sears/Homelife where she retired in 1999.
She built beautiful long loved and loyal friendships throughout her career and journeys. They were her family too and she loved her friends very much.

In 1979 she met Roger Ryan and after a long courting, they wed on November 25, 1983.
The family grew and Hildegard gained a stepson Kolby Ryan.
She spent many wonderful years traveling with Roger to beautiful places like her homeland Augsberg Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and almost all 50 states.
They built many homes and they had their dream home built just the way they visualized it. Her loves and passions were always reached!

In 2013 she moved to Sun Lakes Arizona to a beautiful community where she could enjoy all the wonders in her new world. She enjoyed Arizona’s sunsets, nature, warm weather, and all her new and old friendships.

Hildegard was a true believer in the glory of God and Jesus was her lord and savior.
Hildegard was a passionate gardener and when she wasn’t filling her home with warmth, kindness, and some of the best home-cooking, she could be found in her garden, yard, or patio enjoying nature, and or reading a book. She loved music and would always have "easy listening" filling the spaces of her world.
Hildegard enjoyed the finer things of life and appreciated the simple things as well. She enjoyed dressing up, dining out, coffee, and a sweet in the afternoon and Hildegard always was up for an experience at a concert, the movies, or theater.
Hildegard was a lover of all nature and all God’s precious creatures. Animals and pets were forever a part of her life. Animals were drawn to her and she felt so much joy with them in her presence.
She truly understood loyalty, hard work, joy, and what love was. She was beautiful inside and out. She radiated pure kindness and pure love to all that had the privilege of knowing her.
We will miss her greatly.
Hildegard was predeceased by Berta her Mother. Walter Klankermeier, and Carol Klankermeier Hilda's brothers, Nephew Micheal Damico and Son-in-law Jake Wright.

Hildegard is survived by her husband Roger Ryan. Children Anita Craig, Steve Ball, and his wife Nici Ball and Jennifer Ball her Partner Michelle Coates. Stepson Kolby Ryan and his wife Jenny Ryan. Four grandchildren Vanessa Wright, Stephanie Keithline and husband Russ Keithline, Stacy Piszczek and husband Nick Piszczek, Kylee Ryan, Grandson Christopher Craig, five great-grandsons: Christopher Salinas, Henry Craig, Landon, Ethen Piszczek, and Collin Keithline and three great-granddaughters Harper Keithline, Kalia Craig and Karly Piszczek. Sister Karin Damico, Carmen sister-in-law her husband Errol and Three Nieces Inge and her husband Armin, Monique and Melissa, Cousin Erich Klankermeier

The family requests notes/cards are sent to :
Roger Ryan
24510 S Starcrest Dr
Sun Lakes AZ 85248
In lieu of flowers per Hildegards wishes please consider making a donation to an animal shelter or Dumb Friends League.

There will be a celebration of life in Colorado, due to the pandemic it will be placed on hold and details are still being arranged please stay tuned for details. We are thinking sometime in the summer.

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