Elizabeth Ruth Ryan, EdD, 57, of Miller Beach, Gary, Indiana, and Riverside, died peacefully on Oct. 31, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief illness.
Dr. Ryan, a respected and dedicated educator of future physicians, served as the associate dean of Educational Integration at Indiana University School of Medicine. Previously, she was an associate professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University. A proud alumna of Loyola University Chicago for both her master’s and doctoral degrees, she was fiercely protective of those she loved and instilled in her students that their sacred duty was to be guardians of the vulnerable. A wise and trusted mentor, she gave guidance by nurturing confidence and empathy in those who came to her.
Her warm and compassionate nature, and her smile, led strangers to quickly become new friends. She loved music and was an avid and gifted photographer, in particular, her landscapes and photos of Lake Michigan sunsets.
Ever generous with her time and talents, she was a strong supporter of the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana and Operation Charlie Bravo, which provides job training to veterans.
Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Mary Jan (nee Lhotka) and the late Dennis Ryan; the sister of Denise and Josie Ryan, and will be missed by countless aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of these charities in Elizabeth’s honor:
www.foodbanknwi.org/donate-online/
www.combatbikesaver.org/donate.html
She will be laid to rest next to her parents in a private service. Her sisters, Denise and Josie, will receive family and friends, colleagues and former students who wish to pay their respects at a Celebration of Life, Visitation and Luncheon on Saturday, Nov. 23 from noon until 4 p.m. at Robert’s Westside, 7321 Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130.
Arrangements were handled by Ivins/Moravecek Funeral Home.