Frances "Fran" Connell Ryan

She was born on April 23, 1928, the daughter of Patrick and Blanche Connell Dougherty. In 1955, Fran married Richard “Mick” Ryan, and he preceded her in death in 2017.

Fran was also preceded in death by her parents; three siblings and their spouses, James and Ruth Dougherty, T. Lawrence and Bernadine Dougherty, and her dear sister, Mary Agnes and Robert “Bob and Aggie” Thomas; and infant twin granddaughters, Jessica and Melissa Ryan.

She is survived by her children, Patrick of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Thomas (Cathy) of Greenwood, Indiana, Dennis (Missy) of Springfield, Ann (Bill) Clark of Springfield, John (Carolyn) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Rosemary of Springfield; grandchildren, Brett (Sandi) Ryan, Megan Ryan, Joseph Ryan, Michelle (Matt) Huntebrinker, and Julia Clark; two great-grandsons, Kyle and Conor Ryan; sister, Margaret (Richard dec.) Greer; brother, J. Leo (Norma) Dougherty; and sister-in-law, Caroline Ryan.

Frances is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. During the 1950s, she worked as a speech therapist in the Franklin, Waverly, and Chatham school districts. During her stay-at-home mother years, she did private speech therapy at home and at St. John’s Hospital. She also worked part-time for District #186 in the adult education program. During the 1970s and 80s, she was employed by the Sangamon Area Special Education District as a speech therapist for the Riverton School District.

God and family came first in Fran’s life. She enjoyed both the small and big moments with her family such as Sunday brunch and playing Pinochle. She kept up to date with technology. Throughout her life, she enjoyed reading, sewing, and traveling. During their retirement years, she especially enjoyed her daily walks with Mick.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service.

Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Steve Arisman, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of plants and flowers, please make donations to the Pregnancy Care Center or, as a thank you to the citizens of Riverton for letting her teach their children, to the Riverton Public Library.