Mary Ruth Ryckman

Mary Ruth Ryckman, age 76, passed away Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas. She was born May 29, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of Linus Arthur and Edith June (Fudge) Grisham. As a young girl, she attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Excelsior Township, Michigan, later graduating from Kalkaska High School in 1965. Upon her graduation, she attended Central Michigan University. On December 21, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Wayne Ryckman, Sr. in Kalkaska. The couple moved to Meade, Kansas, making their home there for over forty-four years. While in Meade, she attended St. Mary of the Plains, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Education and later receiving her Masters of Education from Fort Hays State University. She taught at Dodge City Community College, Copeland High School, Minneola High School, and Meade High School until her retirement. She was a member of the Church of the Nazarene and a Sunday School Teacher. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, Ron, playing games with family, spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending her grandchildren’s activities, following the legislative sessions, drinking coffee, and shopping with friends. Mary’s three most important things in her life were her faith, family, and friends. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Ryckman; her children, Paula Butts and husband Kelly of Olathe, Kansas, Ronnie Ryckman of Olathe, Kansas, and Heather Pedersen and husband Kent of Hutchinson, Kansas; seven grandchildren and four bonus grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and ten bonus great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Arthur Frank Grisham. The family will greet friends on Monday, May 20, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Church of the Nazarene, Meade. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, from 4:00 P.M until 8:00 P.M at Kalkaska Funeral Home. Burial will take place Friday, May 24, 2024, beginning at 11:00 A.M at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome memorials to the Meade Church of the Nazarene or the Missions of the Church of the Nazarene in care of the funeral home.

Mary Ruth Ryckman

May 29, 1947 - May 15, 2024