Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Ryan, Barbara Ann (Becraft) February 3, 2026
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net March 2, 2026, 8:25 pm

Greenville Daily News - Sat. February 7, 2026

Excerpts from Greenville Obituary

BARBARA ANN RYAN

Died Tuesday, February 3, 2026-age 72 of Belding at Faith Hospice, Trillium 
Woods.
Born October 2, 1952, daughter of Louis Gene Becraft & Phyllis Betty (Mackowicz) 
Becraft in Sturgis,Mich.
She grew up  in White Pigeon,MI & graduated from White Pigeon High School with 
the class of 1970, where her senior year book quote read;"I wish everything was 
as easy to understand as school".
She continued her education at Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor's 
degree in education & spent her career helpng young people understand the world 
a little better.
She taught Spanish language classes for many years, retiring from Cedar Springs 
Schools.
She married  Patrick J.Ryan in 1996 in a ceremony near Woods Lake, he preceded 
her in death in 2011.
Barbara was a dedicated distance runner, who completed the Grand Rapids Marathon 
at age 66, ran 13 half Marathons, & countless 5K & 10K races, often with her 
beloved dogs, Ana & Rusty at her side.
She dedicated years to youth Mentorship, serving as a Girl Scout leader of seven 
years & teachinG fifth-grade drug Abuse prevention project C.H.A.R.L.I.E.,
(Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education).
She loved to dance from line dancing, & freestyle at the Appalachian-style 
cogging.
SHe was a life-long singer, at church choirs at Firat Presbyterian Church & 
First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo.
Survived by her children; Matt Matecki of Portage & Laurie Matecki of Sanford, 
North Caroline; Patrick's children Sean (Beth) Ryan of Belding, Shannon 
(Stephanie)Ryan of Plainwell, & Christine (Josh) Coleman of Negaunee.
Grandchildren Barbee Patrick, Alaina, Donovan, Fiona, Briana, Jacob, Joey, 
Isabella, Zachary & Megan; great-granddaughter Myee; & many dear friends from 
her years of running, fitness, &  Karaoke.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband Patrick, sister Shirley (Perry) Betts 
& her brother, Ronald "Ronny" (Carol) Becraft.
A celebration of life will be held this summer.Details will be announced on 
Barbara's Facebook page.
May consider donating in Barb's memory to the American Cancer Society, The Ionia 
County Animal Shelter of the Humane Society of West Michigan.
Cremation has been entrusted to Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S.Bridge Street, 
Belding,Mich. 48809.
For additional information please contact (616) 794-1300 or visit verdunfh.com.

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