Betty Ilene Ryan, 85, of Quapaw, Okla., formally of Baxter Springs, died Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at Higher Call Nursing Home, in Quapaw, Okla.
Born June 19, 1936 in Yuma, Colo., Betty was the daughter of Orville and Florence (Roberts) Ping.
Betty and Bill Rex Ryan were united in marriage April 14, 1972 in Miami, Okla. Bill preceded Betty in death July 20, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents.
Betty spent her life as a homemaker loving and caring for her family. Betty was an avid gardener and especially loved planting flowers. She enjoyed reading and working puzzles. For a time, Betty babysat not only her grandchildren but other area kids and formed lifelong relationships from that time. She found so much enjoyment being around all of those kids and being a part of their lives. She especially enjoyed following her grandchildren throughout all of their activities while they were growing up. She was even known to frequent concerts around the area with her family.
Betty is survived by two sons, Larry Qualls (wife Tracy) of Baxter Springs and Steven Qualls (wife Vicky) of Hillsdale; daughter, Susan Weaver of Duenweg, Mo.; brother, Duane Ping (wife Farell) of Holiday Island, Ark.; four grandchildren; seven great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, September 8, at Hillcrest Cemetery, in Galena. Pastor Geoff Buffalo will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to Higher Call Nursing Home in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.