William Leo Ryan

Born July 9, 1944. He was the son of William M. and E. Marie “Stuedle” Ryan, William grew up in Louisville and graduated from St. Xavier, a school he supported with pride throughout his life. He served his country with dedication in the Army National Guard for 20+ years, and then spent 37 years working at GE Building 2—retiring when building 2 closed in 2000.

Sports were a passion for William—he rarely missed a Louisville Cardinals game and was a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan. In his younger years, he bowled in a league and loved playing checkers, cards, and chess with friends and family.

But beyond all that, William was just a genuinely kind man. He had a quick wit, a humble nature, and a heart that was always looking out for others. He gave selflessly, never seeking recognition. Whether helping a neighbor, caring for a loved one, or spoiling a pet, William did it with quiet love.

In 1995, he moved to a farm in Lebanon Junction and found his slice of heaven there—he loved the land, the town and the slowness of country living.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William M. and E. Marie “Stuedle” Ryan; his brother, Robert Ryan; his uncle, George Stuedle; and the love of his life, Brenda Ryan—along with many other cherished family members and friends.

William is survived by his daughters, Christy Paquette (Moe) and Hope Emery (Jed); his stepson, Joey West (Kimberly); his grandchildren, Carissa Healey, Shane Healey-Fletcher, Cameron Paquette, Chase Emery, Caleb Emery, Xaria West, and Violet West; and his great-grandchildren, Lilly Newman, Ella Newman, and Carson Fletcher.

Visitation will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven on August 22 from 4–8 PM. A funeral service will take place the next day, August 23, at 10 AM in the chapel, with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

He will be missed deeply, but remembered always—for his jokes, his loyalty, and the way he made everyone feel like family.

Some of his famous quotes we will never forget, “I may be left handed but I’m always right, Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow, BR-549 Jr samples used car lot .” When answering the phone he always answered “Hello, come in!” If you asked him if he wanted to play cards he always replied with “I think I got time to beat you in a couple hands, think you can beat me?”