Ethel Bernice Ryan passed away in Pasco, WA on May 6, 2014. She was 98. Ethel was born in Pomeroy, WA to William and Annie Ferrell Shangle on February 14, 1916. While attending school in Pomeroy and Clarkston she worked at fruit packing plants that were located along the Snake River in those days. She later worked at the Potlatch Mill for several years. She was especially proud of operating a fork lift in the box factory during World War II.

She was introduced to Joseph Ryan at Central Ferry and they were married in Pomeroy at Holy Rosary Catholic Church on April 21, 1945. From this union were born two daughters, JoAnn and Mary. After spending a few years at Central Ferry, Clarkston and Pomeroy they moved to Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island for about three years and then settled in Colfax in 1961.

She then worked for W.S.U. for 16 years, retiring in 1978. She devoted herself to her family and home. She also loved to shop even if she bought nothing. She was an awesome cook and loved cooking for company that visited and always prepared everything from scratch.

She moved to West Richland, WA in 1998 to be closer to family. She always missed Colfax.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe; brother, Bill Shangle; sisters, Stella Fleishman and Edith Ruark and Lula Young. She is survived by her daughters, JoAnn Bearce and husband, Ed of Benton City, WA Mary Knight and companion, John of Spokane, WA; 6 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside inurnment will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday June 7, 2014 at Pomeroy City Cemetery.