Ridgeway / Barneveld – Marlene Ann Ryan, age 73, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at her home, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 22, 1942 in Madison WI, the daughter of Maral and Mabel Schuman. She grew up in Madison ane graduated from Madison East High School with the class of 1960.

On September 8, 1962 she married the love of her life, James Ryan. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012. They lived in Madison until 1977, when they moved to Barneveld to become dairy farmers. Marlene loved the farm life. She was up early every morning to milk cows. She loved the peace and quiet of the morning milking and often referred to the cows as her girls. She also loved the small town and quickly became friends with everyone she met.

Family was important to Marlene. She enjoyed time spent with family, and rarely missed any of her children or grandchildren's events. She took care of her grandchildren while their parents worked and had a special bond with each of them.

She was a member of St. Bridget's Catholic Church in Ridgeway where she helped prepare many funeral dinners. She also worked elections in Ridgeway for many years. She enjoyed people and always saw the good in them.

Marlene is survived by her husband of 53 years, James Ryan; her children, Jim Ryan of Los Angeles CA, Marita (Joe) Kelly of Barneveld and Mark (Barb) Ryan of Mount Horeb; her grandchildren, Melissa, Mindy and Jamie Kelly and Mitch and Trey Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her parents Maral and Mabel Schuman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 7, 2015 at ST. BRIDGET'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Ridgeway. Fr. Steven Petrica will officiate. Burial will be held in St. Bridget's Cemetery. Friends may call from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville and from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass on Monday at the church.