Rita Marie Ryska

Rita Marie (Brownewell) Ryska, passed away on May 10, 2022. She was born on November 1, 1940.

Rita graduated from Bishop Noll High School in 1958.  After graduation, Rita went to work as a secretary at U.S. Steel.  She then moved on to become a librarian assistant at Kankakee Valley Middle School.  After several years, Rita became treasurer at Kankakee Valley High School (KVHS).  Rita retired from KVHS in 1999.  In her spare time, Rita enjoyed being a part of the DeMotte Junior Women’s Club.  She was a 2-term president and distinguished member of the district.  After retiring, Rita enjoyed traveling, especially cruises, with her husband. She became an adopted member of the Maple Knoll Coffee Club the past few years.

Rita is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Wayne Ryska; children, Lisa Hamstra (Carey) of DeMotte, Tom Ryska (Dawn) of South Bend, and Laura Foster (Mike) of Carmel; eight grandchildren, 4 great grandsons; five brothers and one sister.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Brownewell and Elizabeth Brownewell De St. Jean; and brother, Larry.

A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at Bash Event Center, 1235 Keystone Way South, Carmel.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Flanner Buchanan – Carmel.  Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com.