Violet M. Ryan, 88, of Union Mills, IN, died Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at IU Health LaPorte Hospital.
She was born Oct. 23, 1925, in Hammond, IN, to Andrew and Elizabeth (Martin) Madura.
Violet graduated from Union Mills High School. She worked at Kaiser Aluminum until she retired in 1986. She was a lifelong member of American Legion Auxiliary Post 295. Violet had a passion to be outdoors and was well known in the community for the llamas she raised. She was proud to take her llamas to various state shows and won multiple grand-champion awards until her passing. Violet leaves behind her beloved nine llamas and dog, Taco.
On Aug. 31, 1946, she married Earl Ryan, who preceded her in death.
She was also preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Robert Madura and John Madura.
Violet is survived by two sons, Elwyn “Tiny” Ryan and wife Teri, and Mike Ryan and wife Pat, both of Union Mills; six grandchildren, Tim Ryan of LaPorte, Todd Ryan and fiancée Laila of Union Mills, Troy Ryan and wife Leslie of Union Mills, Jennifer Jimenez and husband Martin of Union Mills, Mike Ryan and wife Casey of Union Mills, and Mark Ryan and wife Becky of Union Mills; and 11 great-grandchildren, Brittney, Nick, Jordyn, Chloe, Baylee, Lincoln, Nolan, Owen, Jackie, Molly, and Garrett, who often referred to her as “llama Grandma.”
The family will receive friends at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LaPorte, on Monday, Feb. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A life celebration will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Deacon Dale Walsh officiating. Interment will follow at Union Mills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to American Legion Auxiliary Post 295, 710 Water St., Union Mills, IN 46382.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com.