Mrs. Patricia Ann "Pat" Van Ryn, 97, of Elkhart, peacefully passed on from natural causes on Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Hellenic Senior Living Center in Elkhart. She was born in Mishawaka on March 10,1925 to the late Pearly and Greta (Myers) Forbes.

Surviving Pat is her daughter, Kristine (Neal) Littler, and her son, Dr. David E. (Alisa) Van Ryn, both of Elkhart; grandchildren Melissa White of Wakarusa, Todd (Krystal) Clark of Wakarusa and Leigh Van Ryn of Chicago, Illinois, six great grandchildren, and extended family and good friends. Patricia's husband, Edwin D. Van Ryn, as well as a daughter, Katherine Van Ryn, precede Pat in passing.

Patricia grew up in Mishawaka, where she met her soon-to-be USMC husband Edwin, who was stationed in the area for training during the Second World War. It wasn't long after that they were married, settling in South Bend after the war to raise a family. She was a proud and devout catholic and was a long-standing choir member at St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend, where she would be active in things like the Christ Child Society and collecting items to later be donated to the needy. In more recent years, she enjoyed spending time with Fr. Bob Van Kempen and his flock down at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol.

Throughout the years, Pat's main concern was her family and her home, and she managed them both magnificently with unconditional love and a mother's dedication. She grew to enjoy artwork and painting, as the paintings in her living space soundly attested to her talent with a brush. She was also very fond of animals. She could play the piano quite well. She loved vacationing with her family. And finally, it should be mentioned that she was a fervent fan of Notre Dame football. Rain or shine, champions or last place, Notre Dame was always near and dear to Pat's heart.

In accordance with Pat's wishes, cremation is to take place. Private placement of Pat's cremated remains next to her husband Edwin will take place at a later date in the Veteran's Section of Prairie Street Cemetery.  Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the family.

There will be a reception to celebrate Pat's life at Bent Oak Golf Club, 3610 Bent Oak Trail, Elkhart, IN 46517 on Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 1-4pm.

Friends and family wishing to make a donation in Patricia's memory may do so by donating to the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bristol or to the cause of one's choice. Additionally, please be sure to thoroughly browse Pat's obit page, as you are able to leave condolences and memories, post photographs on her memory wall, and order other funerary items in regard to the family.

St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church
P.O.Box 245, Bristol IN 46507
Tel: 1-574-848-4305
Web: https://www.osvhub.com/stmarysbristol/funds

Charity of One's Choice