Obituary: Nina Ryle

Nina Leila Ryle, age 92, of Worthington, MN passed away Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Sunset Hospice Cottage, Worthington.

Nina Leila Johnson was born November 24, 1920, in Worthington, MN, the daughter of the late Charles and Anna Johnson. She attended Worthington schools and graduated in 1938. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus, St. Peter, MN, in 1942, with degrees in English and Physical Education, and a teaching credential.

Before settling down to marry, she took flying lessons and flew solo over Nobles County. She traveled and spent one New Year’s Eve in New York’s Times Square. She taught school in Nevada, South Dakota and Minnesota. She met Wayne Ryle when they carpooled to where he was a college student and she was teaching. Wayne and Nina were joined in marriage October 19, 1950, in the house her father built on Second Avenue in Worthington where she lived until two weeks before her death.

Nina was a devoted wife and mother. She was an avid reader and a good cook, and especially loved baking cookies. Nina enjoyed outdoor activities, and loved to garden and feed the birds, squirrels and rabbits, especially in winter. Among various home projects she fashioned several braided rugs from recycled fabrics. Nina served as a Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout den mother and substitute teacher. She volunteered at the hospital in her later years.

Nina is survived by her son Kim, daughter-in-law Margaret of Walnut Creek, California; grandson Mike Ryle of Newark, California; nieces Cindy Stam, Pastor Karla Kirkeby and nephews Chuck and Wynn Kirkeby. Surviving Ryle family nieces and nephews include Pat Ryle, Bob McEwen, Ken McEwen, Linda Colley, Larry Mikkelsen, Mike Howey and Rick Howey. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Wayne; and her sister Arla Kirkeby.

A memorial service will 11 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2013, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Interment of her cremains will be at a later date.

Memorial gifts should be directed to Worthington Hospice Cottage Inc.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.

Tags: obituaries, services, ryle

Sign the guestbook (1 comment)

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions