Orval L. Ryan, age 98 of Stronghurst, Illinois died at 9:23 p.m. Wednesday November 30, 2011 in the Monmouth Nursing Home, Monmouth, Illinois. He was born July 27, 1913 in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Patrick James and Rosa Belle Gray Ryan. On April 8, 1938, he married Helen Elizabeth Johnson in Burlington, Iowa. She preceded him in death on December 16, 2005.

Mr. Ryan first worked for his father at the John Deere Implement dealership in Monmouth, and later for C.E. Neff Implement Company in Stronghurst from 1941 through 1978. He was highly regarded by farmers in the local area who respected his skills and integrity. He had served on the Stronghurst Township Board, and the Stronghurst Village Board. He was a member of the Stronghurst United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son - Jon Ryan of Stronghurst, four daughters- April (Danny) Williams of Charlotte, NC., Penny Vaughn of Monmouth, IL., Bonnie Lockhart of Galesburg, IL., Connie Harris of Houston, TX., seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

The funeral service for Orval Ryan will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday December 5, 2011 in the Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst with Rev. Anita Munden officiating. Burial will follow in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Banks & Beals. Memorials have been established for the Stronghurst United Methodist Church, Monmouth Nursing Home, and OSF Hospice. Send a condolence here.