Georgeann Elaine Bryan

Georgeann Elaine Bryan (Ravaux), 85, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 6, 2025. She was born on August 23, 1940, and raised in Hartford City, IN. Preceded in death are her parents, George and Marie Ravaux (Knecht), and three sisters; Jeanne Ravaux-Newburg (Parker), Sue Kerrigan, and Mary Jo Hancock. Surviving family includes husband Ronald Bryan, daughter Ellen Ross (Souder), stepdaughter Amy Hardiek (Bryan), four grandchildren, Logan, Jordan, Emily, and Spencer as well as three great-grandchildren.

While growing up in Hartford City in the 1940s and ‘50s, Georgeann spent much of her childhood exploring the Knecht Farm and surrounding area with her cousin, Nancy. She recently reminisced about the cozy, rainy days reading on the screened-in porch, gathering eggs from the hen house, finding newborn kittens in the barn, and an adventurous attempt to float a raft down Lick Creek.

In 1958, Georgeann graduated from Hartford City High School and went on to receive a master's in education from St. Francis University in Fort Wayne, IN. She began her teaching career in 1962 at South Wayne Elementary, finalizing at McKenney-Harrison in Auburn, where she retired in 1999 after 35 years. Georgeann was highly regarded by both colleagues and parents for her tireless and passionate dedication to the Reading Readiness program while at McKenney-Harrison. She had genuine concern for each child and was personally committed to ensuring their success in becoming confident 1st graders and beyond. In addition to her long teaching career, Georgeann obtained a part-time position at L.S. Ayres in 1977 (now Macy’s) and worked evenings and weekends. She thoroughly enjoyed assisting customers in the women’s department and made many happy acquaintances throughout her service there. After 25 years, she retired in 2002.

Georgeann was a passionate, if not a model, grandmother. She filled her grandchildren’s childhood with wonderful memories, provided essential support on numerous occasions, a cozy ‘home base’, and, of course, stimulating conversations and memories of the historic past.

In addition to Georgeann’s full life, she was graced with years-long friendships that were formed and bonded at St. Francis. These special ladies call themselves “The Amazons” and include Nancy, Faye, Elenor, Kathy, Bev, Marge and Susie. Georgeann cherished these women and was blessed to know each one.

All who met or knew Georgeann personally will remember her as a lovely soul. She had a genuine heart and cared for everyone’s well-being. She lived and loved well and will be greatly missed!

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the incredibly loving, caring staff at St. Anne Home, where Georgeann spent her last few years. We appreciate each person who loved Georgeann and took extra time to get to know her for the wonderful person that she truly was!

The memorial service is 3:00 PM, March 7, 2026, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley Park, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne (46825) with calling two hours prior.

In lieu of flowers, Georgeann asked that donations be made to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.