Carla Jolene Ryan, age 67, of Hillsdale, Michigan, previously of Friend, passed away suddenly on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at her home.
She was born May 23, 1959, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Irvin and Betty (Miller) Garber. She married Steve Ryan on Dec. 28, 1979, and he survives.
Carla graduated from Manson High School and went on to Hesston College and later became a certified nursing assistant. Her greatest joy was being a stay-at-home wife and mother, but she worked as a CNA when her kids were in school. She adored her family and loved to take care of people.
Her children and grandchildren were everything to her and she moved to Hillsdale to be closer to them. She enjoyed singing gospel and was part of the church choir. She was raised Mennonite and later attended the Mennonite Brethren Church. Carla also loved baking, playing games, and watching Halmark movies.
Carla is survived by her husband of 46 years, Steve; three children, Kim (Lucas) Miller, Nic (Ariel) Ryan and Matt Ryan; three grandchildren, Alethea, Ryan and Reist Miller; eight siblings, Lucinda Bird, Jan (Mike) Springer, Sue (Ross) Vigneron, Cheri (Phil) Stoltzfus, Thomas Garber, Deb (Tim) Anderson, Pam (Bob) Weaver, and Mike Cook; her father-in-law, James Ryan; and her beloved dog, Lillie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her mother-in-law, Sharon Ryan.
A Celebration of Life for Carla Ryan be Saturday, Nov. 14, at 11 a.m. at Friend Christian Assembly Church in Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to Somerset Congregational Church -Memorial Fund (PO Box 411, Somerset Center, MI 49282), Friend Christian Assembly Memorial (105 Vine St., Friend, NE 68359), or Launch Global - Account 263 (PO Box 679913, Dallas, TX 75267-9913).
Arrangements by VanHorn-Eagle Funeral Home in Hillsdale.
