Rachel Emmaline (nee Duncan) Ryan

Rachel Emmaline (nee Duncan) Ryan, 95, passed away April 18, 2015 at Rolling Hills Manor, Zion, IL. Rachel was born January 24, 1920 in Booneville, MS., to John Franklin Duncan and Mattie Belle (nee Cunningham) Duncan. She was married to Leland L. Ryan on November 28, 1937. They were the parents of Myna Carole (nee Ryan) Laya, Marilyn (nee Ryan) Kennedy and Billy Reed Ryan. Rachel was a devout Christian who regularly attended services until she was disabled. She read her Bible daily until eyesight made that impossible. Because she was needed at home after her mother’s death, she was unable to complete her education until she received her GED as a grandmother. Employment included Abbott Laboratories and Zion Hospital many years ago. Rachel’s hobbies included sewing, gardening, cooking, and baking. She took up quilting again much later in life as an art form instead of a necessity. Rachel was preceded in death by her husband, Leland October 3, 2005; son, Bill at the age 29; her parents; siblings, Maggie, Ollie, Willie, Charlie, Wade, Mollie, Francis, Howard and Roy. Rachel leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughters Myna Carole (George) Laya, Marilyn (Michael G.) Kennedy; grandchildren Randy (Ramona) Laya, Mike (Diane) Kennedy, Phil (Lynn) Laya, Aime (Blair) Morrison; great-grandchildren Hayley and Savannah Kennedy, Nick and Jake Morrison, and Neil Laya; brother Jake Duncan; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, friends, and former neighbors. A special heart felt thank you to the staff of Rolling Hills Manor who provided loving compassionate care to our mother. Her family also benefitted from that love and caring which made a difficult time easier to bear. People from every department were generous with comforting hugs and kind words. Visitation will be from 11:00 until 12:00 noon, Thursday, April 23, 2015 followed by a service at 12:00 noon at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL, with Pastor Bruce Allen of MeadowRidge Baptist Church, of Zion, officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion. In lieu of flowers, and if inspired, donations would be gratefully received at Rolling Hills Manor, 3615 16th St., Zion, IL 60099, attn: Activities Department.