OCTOBER 2022 OHM SANCTUARY TRIBUTE PLANTING

Ohm Sanctuary dedicates plantings for loved ones who have passed or people in the community navigating challenges as a way to alleviate grief and navigate coping strategy as we witness the cycles of life and death through therapeutic gardening and spiritual awakening

It is especially serendipitous to have our very first public planting be for a woman who is Rev. Holly's dear friend's mother. Amy Ferko, we honor mom and bless you with organizing this Tribute Planting. You are the epitome of unconditional love and dignity for humanity we choose to resonate. 

To plant these bulbs in your own yard, choose PICKUP for delivery method. To buy them for our plot, choose GVC for delivery method and we will incorporate into a Growing Vibrant Communities planting. When planted in your own yard, we will have a photo train in May to see how far Mary's bulbs travel in her remembrance!

Mary C. Ryan was born on June 10, 1944 and lived a long, loving life until passing away peacefully at the age of 78 on Monday, October 3, 2022 surrounded in love.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator with burial at St. Stephen's Cemetary immediately following. Per Mary's request there will be no visitation. 

Born June 10, 1944 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, she was the daughter of Wayne and Esther (Ahearn) Witmer. She married Francis J. "Frank" Ryan on June 19, 1965 at St. Anthony Church. He preceded her in death on June 25, 2012.

She is survived by a daughter Amy (Mark) Ferko of Coal City; a son Michael (Roseanne) Ryan of Paris, Tennessee; grandchildren, Kayla (Thomas) Rash, Katty Ryan, Cory (Kami) Ryan, Cody Kennedy, Callie Hudson, Jackie Crosser and Brandon Crosser; great grandchildren, McKenzie, Murphy and Rosemary; her sister and brother in law, Mary Jane (Larry) Wilkinson of Streator; and brother in laws, Mike (Yvonne) Ryan of Arizona and Don (Carolyn Evans) Kmetz of Streator; nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Francis J. "Frank" Ryan; and a sister in law, Patricia Kmetz.

Rev. Holly enjoyed hearing Mary's high school friends at the beauty shop in Grand Ridge reminiscing about her generosity and always checking in to make sure people were okay. Especially her Ahearn relatives in Grand Ridge. 

Mary's talents were many, she was an avid swimmer, a phenomenal cook, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, devoted to service to her community, and had an organic ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. Mary left a smile on the faces of those she came in contact with and was always ready to bust out a lively dance move. Her laugh was contagious and will never be forgotten. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her family and friends.