Gertrude Ryans

Gertrude Janet Gross-Ryans, was born Thursday, September 19, 1935, to the late John and Gertrude Gross, in Centreville, Maryland. Gertie was the youngest of eight children. On Thursday, April 2, 2020, at the early dawn of the morning, God whispered her name and she gained her heavenly wings. Gertrude received her education in the Queen Anne’s County Public School System, graduating with the class of nineteen hundred fifty-three. She then fell in love with and later married, William Louis Ryans, Sr. From this union, came six daughters and one son; Pearl, Joan, Debbie, Jane and Jean (the twins), Aretter, and William Louis Ryans, Jr. Gertrude worked as a hair dresser and would often travel from house to house to style ladies hair. She was a domestic worker, performing multiple duties for families throughout Queen Anne’s County, which included, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Wharton, Mr. and Mrs. David Wharton, Mr. and Mrs. Art Ortel, Mr. William Young, Mrs. Jane Stanton and Dr. Layton; cleaning, cooking, and even babysitting for some. She also worked for The Gunston School, where she retired as a cook in 1990. Her last employment was at Little Debbie’s Day Care where she worked part-time for her daughter, Deborah Cheers. Gertrude, “Gertie”, “Gert”, “Momma” and “Mom-Mom”, as she was affectionally known, loved playing BINGO, cards, keno, cooking, listening to gospel music and spending time with her family. She could whip up any meal and it would taste delicious. Her homemade rolls were the best! Gertie cherished her days of love and laughter with her loved ones. She will always be remembered for her strength, her compassion, her laugh and her beautiful SMILE, but most of all, for the love and kindness that she showed everyone. In addition to her parents, Gertrude was preceded in death by her seven siblings, Herbert, Raymond, Walter, John, Frank, Marie and Lillian; four daughters, Pearl, Jean, Joan and Aretter; one step-son, Larry; one step-daughter, Joann; one grandson, William “BJ” Jr.; one great-great granddaughter, Juliana; father and mother-in-law, Louis and Aretter Ryans; one brother-in-law, Sam Ryans and a host of relatives and friends. Those CHERISHING Gertrude’s memory include, her husband, William Louis Ryans, Sr.; two daughters, Deborah Cheers (Gregory) and Jane Johns (Kevin); one son, William Louis Ryans, Jr. (Caroletta); five stepchildren, Iris, Cheryl, Judy, Angel and Brandon; 17 grandchildren, Cornell, Charnise, Vera, Joey, Jomese, Shawana, Aukeem, Mio, Lawrence, Robert, Natalie, Janet, Laura, Emmitt, Apollonia, William III and Brittney; six step-grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; three brothers-in-law, Robert Ryans (Connie), Frederick Ryans (Ruth) and Lawrence Ryans (Marchelle); sister-in-law, Diane Ryans; a very special niece, Catherine Lynch; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. PROVERBS 31:10 Her children rise up and call her blessed. PROVERBS 31:28 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own work praise her in the gates. PROVERBS 31:31

Gertrude Ryans

September 19, 1935 - April 2, 2020