Helen R. Ryan, 97, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, died on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Wyomissing Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Wyomissing, PA. She had resided at Juniper Village Assisted Living in Lebanon, PA. She was the wife of the late Charles E. “Pat” Ryan, who predeceased her in 2008. They were married for 60 years.
Born in Tamaqua, PA, on May 9, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Harry E. and Francis K. (Keefer) Kleckner.
Helen graduated in 1943 from Tamaqua High School. She graduated in 1946 as a Registered Nurse from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing located in Reading, PA. Upon graduation, she began her career as a Registered Nurse working for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Perry Point, Maryland. It was working here that she met a recreation therapist who would become her future husband.
After marriage, they transferred to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lebanon, PA. She worked there as an RN until her retirement in 1984. After several years of retirement, she then worked part-time as a Nursing Supervisor for Cedar Haven Nursing Home retiring again in 2008 at the age of 82.
She was an active member of St. James Lutheran Church in Lebanon, PA, and their Fellowship Group, was a former member of the Friendship Women’s Auxiliary, serving as Treasurer, and volunteered for activities at Spang Crest & Wernersville State Hospital.
She enjoyed visiting and spending time with her family. She was a caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and her “grandcats” Beau, Sox, Iris, & Violet.
She leaves one daughter, Lisa C. Ruth and her son-in-law D. Kraig Ruth of Middletown, Rhode Island, and son-in-law Carl W. Reist, granddaughter Lori L. Reist, and great-granddaughter Kera Earhart of Lebanon, PA.
She was predeceased by her daughter Linda S. Reist in 2014. She was also predeceased by brothers Edward Kleckner, Raymond Kleckner, and sister Ruth Kleckner.
She is survived by her sister-in-law Jean Kleckner of New Ringgold, PA, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Juniper Village, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Reading Hospital, Wyomissing Rehabilitation & Nursing Center, and to Edwin M. Kase MD and staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. at Christman’s Funeral Home, 226 Cumberland Street, Lebanon, PA. The service will follow at 11:00 A.M. Burial will be at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Lebanon, PA.
For more information or to send messages of condolence, please visit www.christmansfuneralhome.com
