Obituary of Rosie Ryan

Rose “Rosie” Marie Ryan, of Iowa City, formerly of North Liberty, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2023.

Predeceased by her parents, Frank & Helen (nee McElligott) Ryan, & all her siblings; Rita & (Jerry) Landherr, Bernard Ryan, Louis & (Mary) Ryan, Marian (Russ) Steins, Donna (John McKimmy, Bob Hansen, BobTalley.

Rosie was born on the Ryan family farm, near Ryan, IA, November 1, 1926, and grew up there. Rosie went to nursing school @ Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, graduating in 1948. She started her career as an RN at the VA Hines Hospital in Chicago but returned home to care for her ill father until his death in ’49. In 1951, Rosie transferred to Long Beach, CA VA Hospital so she could assist her sister, Marian, prepare for the birth of her first child, since her husband was serving in the Korean War. In 1952, she returned to the VA Hospital in Iowa City, until her retirement in 1983. Rose was a talented bowler, & met her best friend, Mary Ellen Harvey at bowling league events. In 1972, making an anonymous offer via their attorney, Rosie & Mary Ellen prevailed & became owner/operator/partners in the Pleasant View Lodge, a popular country bar & restaurant on Mehaffey Bridge Road, near North Liberty.

In 1973, in addition to still working at the VA, & at the Lodge, Rosie & Mary Ellen welcomed Rosie’s Mother, Helen Ryan, to come & live with them. They cared for her until her death in

1991. In her free time, Rosie enjoyed bowling, dancing, fishing, & travel. She & Mary Ellen were also 30-year season ticket holder for the lady Hawkeyes basketball team

Rosie is survived by her longtime friend and partner, Mary Ellen Harvey, many nieces, nephews, & friends.

Rosie was as a role model for many, quietly helping others, never complaining. She will be sorely missed by all.

Funeral services will be held at 10am, Saturday, June 17, 2023, at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, where a rosary will be said beginning at 9am followed by a brief time of visitation before the mass. Following mass, a reception will be held at the church prior to the graveside services scheduled for 2pm at the Calvary Cemetery in Ryan, Iowa.