Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Ryan, Barbara Ann (Becraft)  February 3, 2026
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net February 22, 2026, 3:02 pm

Greenville Daily News - Sat. February 7, 2026

Excerpts from Greenville Obituary

BARBARA ANN RYAN

Died Tuesday February 3, 2026-age 73 of Belding while residing at Faith Hospice, 
Trillium Woods.
Born October 2, 1952, daughter of Louis Gene Becraft & Phyllis Betty (Mackowicz) 
Becraft, in Sturgis, Michigan.
She grew up in White Pigeon,MI & graduated from White Pigeon High School with 
the Class of 1970.
Her Senior yearbook quote read;"I wish everything was as easy to understand as 
school".
Married Patrick J. Ryan in 1996 near Woods Lake, & he preceded her in death in 
2011.
Barbara earned Bachelor's degree in Education at Western Michigan University, & 
spent her career helping young people understand the world a little better.
She taught Spanish language classes for many years, retiring from Cedar Springs 
Schools.
She was a dedicated distance runner who competed the Grand Rapids Marathon at 
age 66, ran 13 half marathons, & countless 5K & 10K races, often with her 
beloved dogs, Ana & Rusty at her side.
She was involved with The No Surrender Running Club of West Michigan.
She dedicated years to youth mentorship, serving as a Girl Scout leader for 7 
years & teaching fifth-grade drug abuse  prevention through Project Chemical 
Abuse Resolution Lies in Education(C.H.A.R.L.I.E.).
She loved to dance, from line dancing & freestyle at the Appalachian-style 
clogging.
She was a lifelong singer, in the choir at First Presbyterian church in White 
Pigeon & First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo.
Survived by her children, Matt Matecki of Portage & Laurie Matecki of Sanford, 
North Carolina; Patrick's children Sean (Beth) Ryan of Belding, Shannon 
(Stephanie)Ryan of Plainwell & Christine(Josh) Coleman of Negaunee,
Grandchildren Barbee, Patrick, ALaina, Donovan, Fiona, Briana, Jacob,Joey, 
Isabella, Zachary & Megan; great-granddaughter Myee; & many dear friends.
Preceded in death by her parents & her husband,Patrick, sister,Shirley (Perry) 
Betts & brother, Ronald "Ronny" (Carol) Becraft.
Celebration of life will be held this summer, details will be announced on her 
facebook page.
May consider a memorial donation to American Cancer Society, Ionia county Animal 
Shelter or the Humane Society of West Michigan.
Cremation has been entrusted to Verdun Family Funeral Home, Belding, MI 48809.
For additional information may call (616) 794-1300 or visit www.verdunfh.com

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