Josephine Louise Ryba

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Josephine “Josie” Louise Kramer Ryba, who passed away in her home on February 9, 2026, at the age of 80. Josie was born on February 17, 1945, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Karl Franklin Kramer and Josephine Mae Bongart Kramer. On January 30, 1965, she married the love of her life, John Ryba, whom she first met in 1964 while driving the loop (think American Graffiti) in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She was predeceased by her parents Karl and Josephine Kramer, her sister Gloria Jean Guidry, and her devoted husband, John Stanley Ryba. Josie was a loving wife and mother, and she is survived by her daughter Beth Ryba, her sister Carol Chapman, and her brother Micheal Kramer.

Josie was a dedicated military wife and stay at home mom. She was proud to be a military wife and handled the separations of military deployments and numerous moves with grace and without complaint. Josie and John were married for 55 wonderful years, during which time they were stationed in cities up and down the east coast and in the south. She worked outside the home at times as her daughter got older but being a wife and mother was her greatest joy. She was a great cook and hostess and was an active member and volunteer at various Methodist Churches and charities over the years. She continued her education whenever she could and earned an Associate Degree in English from Delgado College in Algiers, Louisiana. After their final move to Tuscaloosa in 2012, she enjoyed taking Ollie classes at the University of Alabama. Josie loved to read, sew, cross stitch, make jewelry, and, above all, travel. She often returned home to Pennsylvania to visit family and friends; however, her favorite trip was to Australia and New Zealand with her sister and a close friend. She made life-long friendships and was still in touch with both friends she made in high school and friends she made over the years as a military wife. Josie cherished her family and friends and was known for her boundless kindness, warmth, and good humor. A celebration of Josie’s life will take place on March 28, at 2:00 PM at Heritage Chapel Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and honor the legacy of a remarkable woman who lived life to the fullest.