RYAN, Edward Albert

Edward Albert Ryan, 87, descendant of a pioneer ranching family, passed away January 6, 2004, at his home in Phoenix. Ed's father, William, was the son of Irish immigrants who settled in Globe, in 1882. His mother, Edith Watkins, came to Benson, Ariz. in 1896 with her family. Her father was a physician with the Southern Pacific Railroad. Ed was born September 15, 1916 in Globe, Ariz. His early years were spent on family ranches on the Apache Indian Reservation and elsewhere in Arizona. These ranches included the 5-Slash, Cross-S, and Bar-11. Ed's school days were spent in Globe and Phoenix. Ed was an Alumnus of Phoenix Union High School. He was proud of his Arizona and Irish heritage, enjoying exploring back roads in Arizona and visiting relatives in Ireland. Ed lived in Globe and worked at the Copper mines in the Miami area for 39 years, retiring in 1979. Ed was a Charter member of the Pinal Mountain Elks Lodge #2809, formerly the Miami Elks, where he was Elk of the year twice. Ed is survived by his daughter, Carol (Russ Wilson) Nelson of Nevada, sons Edward (Elaine) of California and Michael (Lola) of Montana, eleven grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Sisters Alice Herwehe and Joanne (Don) Perry and sister-in-law, Norma Ryan, as well as his adopted family, Barbara, John, and Drew Brutsche, with whom he resided. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William, Emmett, Kenneth, and sister Edith. In addition, Ed leaves many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends. Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004 at Rude Family Northwest Mortuary, 4033 N. 19th Ave. Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ. 85014 or Dogs for the Deaf, 10175 Wheeler Rd., Central Point, Oregon 97502. Published in the Arizona Republic on 1/15/2004.