Dorothy “Dot” Vivian (Ritz) Ryan, 99, of Rising Sun, MD passed away on March 2, 2021 at Calvert Manor Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare. She was born in Honeytown, Indiana on November 13, 1921. Delivered by her father, she was the daughter of Raymond M. Ritz and Caroline E. Ritz, proud Christians and hard-working grain, hog, and chicken farmers of southern Indiana.

Dorothy was raised on the farm during the Great Depression and spoke often of the hardships encountered during those times. While growing up she learned the talents which helped her family to survive such as gardening, canning, cooking, baking, sewing, crafting, etc. These talents were used by her throughout her life. As a child of the Great Depression, she believed in the terms “reuse, repurpose, recycle”. She enjoyed cooking for those people who were shut-ins or unable to cook for themselves, even until age 97.

Dorothy enjoyed entering items in the Cecil County Fair and earned many ribbons on a variety of entries throughout the years. She earned a “Blue Ribbon” on a quilt as recently as 2019, which she had completed that year.

She was a member of Janes United Methodist Church in Rising Sun, MD since 1946. She had served as a Sunday School Teacher and was a member of United Methodist Women. She was a member of Janes UMC Quilters. She had been an active member of the Cecil County Homemakers for many years.

Dorothy was employed in the cafeteria of Rising Sun Elementary School from 1967-1981.

In 1943, she introduced herself to a shy Army Air Corps Sergeant (an airplane mechanic) at a Halloween dance held at Freeman Army Airfield, a pilot training base near Seymour, Indiana. A lifetime romance with Herbert E. Ryan, Jr. of Rising Sun, MD began then and there.

Dorothy is survived by her sons, John M. Ryan (Constance) of Colora, MD and James A. Ryan (Christine) of Nottingham, PA; daughter, Judith R. Donnelley (Stephen) of West Grove, PA. She is also survived by six grandsons: Matthew Ryan, Daniel Ryan, Nathan Ryan, Joshua Ryan, Seth Donnelley, and William Donnelley; and thirteen great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert E. Ryan, Jr. in 1992; infant granddaughter, Deborah Jean Ryan in 1968; brothers, Robert Ritz and Gerald Ritz.

The family would like to extend our appreciation to those who inquired about, called, sent cards and notes to Dorothy. The family also extends their thanks and appreciation to the doctors and staff of Calvert Manor Center for Rehabilitation and Healthcare for their kindness and excellent care.

Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband in Brookview Cemetery, Rising Sun, MD. Due to the Covid pandemic, burial will be at the convenience of the family. A memorial service may be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to “Brookview Cemetery” or “Janes United Methodist Church” and send in care of R.T. Foard Funeral Home, P.O. Box 248, Rising Sun, MD, 21911.