- Date Of Birth: May 23, 1924
- Date Of Death: February 16, 2022
- State: Indiana
Gladys Mae “Nana” (Bitner) Ryan (97) passed on February 16, 2022 in Franklin, Indiana.
She was born on May 23,1924 in Waynesburg, Kentucky, to William Rufus Bitner and Nellie May (Hammer) Bitner.
She grew up on her family farm in a small town called Pond Ridge, where they grew Tobacco for their cash crop.
Gladys was the youngest of 4 children. Her siblings and their mates all preceded her in death and were Orville Lee (Gewel), Madge Louise (Gene) Stamper and Macie Evelyn (Bill) Blaylock – (Guy) Stonecypher.
Gladys grew up in the depression era, which taught her many life skills.
She graduated Waynesburg High School in April of 1943. After graduation, she moved to Beechgrove, Indiana, where she worked for RCA to support the war effort making throat mics for military airplane pilots and later retired from Wavetek, where she soldered components to circuit boards.
Gladys met her husband, Arvil Eugene “Red” Ryan, in April, 1947 and they got married on May 17, same year. They were together for 36 years, until the Lord decided to take “Red” with him. They had 4 Children: Lynith Gail (Ryan) Brown, Kenneth A. “Rusty”, Trenton D. “Rocky” and Jerrold K. “Stretch”, 15 Grandchildren, 19 Great-grandchildren, and 11 Great-great-grandchildren.
Nana’s passions were God, Family and Traveling. She was at her happiest when all were combined. Among the many things she did during her long life, she was a member of the Perry Mary’s, traveling all around the State of Indiana, entertaining at Senior community centers and nursing homes.
She lived out her last years happily with her Granddaughter, Angel (Ryan) Wagoner, her husband Todd, Great Granddaughter Arialle and their two loved dogs and companions, Bubba Hoss and Chewy, in Franklin, Indiana. She passed the way she wanted: peacefully, at home and surrounded by her loved ones.
Calling will be from 11:00 a.m.
