Jessie Ryan

Visitation: Thursday, August 14, 2003 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Jordan

Funeral Services: Friday, August 15, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan

Internment: will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan

Jessie Ann Ryan, age 69, of Jordan passed away Monday, August 11, 2003 at the Roundup Memorial Hospital in Roundup.

Jessie was born in Roundup, Montana on March 23, 1934 the daughter of Edgar "Buster" and Mary France (Phipps) Knapp. She attended schools in Melstone and Lost Horse south of Melstone. Following her schooling, she went to work for St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. Jessie married Jim Ryan in Roundup, Montana on February 18, 1953. Following their marriage, they lived in Billings for a short time before moving to Jordan, Montana in 1954. They purchased Jordan Meat Market in 1957. They later built Ryans Grocery in 1967 and Ryans Processing in 1980 where Jessie was active at both places until the time of her death. Jessie loved to bake and enjoyed preparing family meals. Jessie loved to fish. She was also involved in family events from docking lambs, endurance riding, to doing things with her grandchildren. In Jims absence, during many tours of duty with the Montana National Guard, Jessie raised the family and operated the business. She was honored to be presented with the Spouses Certificate of Appreciation from the Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard, Major General James Duffy. Jim and Jessie received the Distinguished Service Award from the Garfield County Chamber of Commerce in 1998. She was also a member of the V.F.W. Ladies Auxiliary.

Jessie is survived by her husband Jim Ryan of Jordan, MT; a son, Ed Ryan and his wife Diane of Jordan, MT; three daughters: Bonnie Bischoff and her husband Robb of Buffalo, WY; Beverly Gibbs and her husband Pat of Jordan, MT; and Marilyn Howell and her husband Jim of Circle, MT; two brothers: Roger Knapp and his wife Judi of Hysham, MT; Richard Knapp and his wife Marie of Lima, MT; a sister, Ruth Coulter and her husband Kenneth of Brusett, MT; and seven grandchildren: Roni Bollinger and her husband Jason, Heidi Ryan, Reid Ryan, William Gibbs, Jay R. Gibbs, Nathan Howell, and Matt Howell.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Pat in 1970.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the VFW Veterans Memorial or to the charity of one's choice.