Murrel R. Ryan

Murrel R. Ryan, 91, a long time resident of Lake Wabaunsee, passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Murrel Ruth Iott was born June 24, 1926 at the family farm in Wabaunsee County, KS, the daughter of Henry and Lucille (Young) Iott. She graduated from Eskridge High School, moving to Topeka after graduation.

Working with the USO on her off time, she met Robert E. Ryan at Topeka VA Hospital where he was recuperating from war wounds. They fell in love and were wed on October 27, 1946 in Alma, KS.

They lived in Independence, MO for awhile, moving to Chicago, IL, where Bob was from and where their daughter, Sharon, was born. Their son, Steven, was born after they returned to Topeka. They remained in Topeka where they raised their children, moving permanently to Lake Wabaunsee in 1975. Murrel was a longtime office manager for IBEW Local Union 226.

Murrel will be forever remembered by her daughter, Sharon Gerber of Las Vegas, NV; her son, Steven Ryan of Pearland, TX; her sister, Marlene Shove of Holton, KS, two grandchildren, Justin Gerber and Oliver Ryan, and nieces and nephews .

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, two brothers, Clayton and Craig, and her parents.

Murrel's life will be celebrated on Thursday, May 24 at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Eskridge, KS, with visitation from 9:30a to 10:30a, service at 10:30a, luncheon directly after service at Prairie Wind Community Building, 201 N. Cedar, Eskridge, KS. There will be a graveside committal service at Bethlehem Cemetery, Snokomo Rd, Paxico, KS, at 2pm for those wishing to attend.

Memorial contributions can be made to Murrel Ryan Memorial Fund and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 338, Eskridge, KS 66423. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.