Mary "Betty" E. Ryman

Mary E. Ryman "Betty" Bay City, Michigan Mrs. Ryman passed away on Friday, September 30, 2016 at Huron Woods Nursing Center with her family at her side. Age 92 years. The daughter of the late George J. and Hilda G. (Cliff) LaForrest was born on October 12, 1923 in Bay city, Michigan. As a gifted singer from childhood she became a radio hit and was offered a lucrative career in New York. Marriage however changed those plans as she married Burton J. Gillis II with whom they had two lovely children. An early passing of her husband left her a widow for many years. She was employed with the Michigan Employment Security Commission and later with the Fahnstock Brokerage Firm. Betty married Jack A. Ryman in 1970. Mrs. Ryman is survived by two children, Linda (Rick) Meyers of Bradenton, FL and Burton (Kimberly) Gillis III of Phoenix, Arizona; six grandchildren, Burton John Gillis III, Scott Gillis, Ashley Gillis, Lorna Meyers, Sunny (Dan) Stephenson and Carter Meyers. One brother, Gary (Gloria) LaForrest; Jack Rymans three children, Bruce Ryman, Scott Ryman and Denise Ryman. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Jack Ryman; her first husband, Burton Gillis II; brothers, Robert (Mary) LaForrest, Harold LaForrest, Dale (Macia) LaForrest; two sisters, Marilyn Davis and Madilyn (Roy) Meyers. Betty enjoyed many things especially her children, grandchildren, and her parish of St. Vincent DePaul - St. Catherine of Siena. Funeral and Committal services will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Jane Grzegorczyk with private interment in St. Patrick Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Huron Woods Nursing Center.