RYLAND, Mary Elizabeth

The Arizona Republic 3/28/2010 Ryland, Mary Elizabet, 83, of Scottsdale, AZ., passed away March 23, 2010. Born in Oakland, MN, she graduated from Austin High School, MN as valedictorian, graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield with a B. A. cum laude, and taught high school in both Minnesota and New Jersey. In 1966, she became Secretary-Treasure for Ryland Ford, Inc, in Duluth, MN. She served for ten years with the Duluth School Board and in 1977 she was named Duluth Woman of the Year. Mary was named a St. Olaf College Distinguished Alumna in 1978 and named 1984 Business Leader of the Year by the Duluth Chamber of Commerce and UMD School of Business. She also served on the US Commission on Civil Rights. In 1991 she was appointed to the Judicial Selection Panel for District Judges. In 1993, she and her husband moved to Scottsdale, AZ, serving from 1999 until 2003 on the Scottsdale Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and most recently held positions in the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Assoc. of University Women. She is survived by her husband Elwood Delbert Ryland of Scottsdale, sons David G. Ryland of Ardmore, OK and Stephen G. Ryland of Rochester, MN., a brother, Russell Nelson of Albert Lea, MN., sisters Fern Giffin of Austin, MN, Grace Fauth of Lander, WY and two grandchildren. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 2:00 pm and Funeral at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 29th, 2010 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 16150 E. El Lago Blvd, Fountain Hills, AZ. A reception will follow the funeral ceremony. Interment will be at the DeSmet Cemetery in South Dakota. Contributions should be made to the Shepherd of the Hills Foundation Fund. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary.