Wanetta Gloria Ryan

Ryan, Wanetta - Age 92, of Zephyrhills, FL passed away, June 11, 2026. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday July 18, 2026 from 1-3 pm at Sharp Funeral Homes & Cremation Center, 8138 Miller Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 48473. Wanetta was born on December 3, 1933, in Kewadin, the daughter of Gordon and Laura (Hubbell) Hollenbeck. She married Robert Eugene Ryan on February 1, 1968, in Mount Morris. Wanetta had a special talent for handcrafting Christmas stockings for her family, a tradition that became one of her greatest expressions of love. Over the years, she lovingly created stockings for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The family lost count after she had made more than 70 stockings, each one a treasured reminder of her generosity, creativity, and devotion to those she loved. Wanetta was also a wonderful cook, preparing such delicious dishes such as fried chicken, yummy light desserts, and her famous snack hanky-pankies. Many of her recipes have been passed on and are still made today by the family. She was also a very skilled card player, and everyone wanted to be her partner as victory was almost always hers. Wanetta also enjoyed playing board games with her grandchildren. She and Bob had beautiful gardens for many years, growing huge tomatoes and peppers. Wanetta will be missed and will never be forgotten. Surviving are: husband, Robert E. Ryan; children, Linda Troutt, Shirley (Steve) Gillihan, Robert A. (Debbie) Ryan, Debora (Jim) Herman, and Jackie DeHart; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren; beloved sister Rena Kaiser, with whom Wanetta shared many special times sewing, cooking, and reminiscing about their youth; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: her parents; brother, Marlen Hollenbeck and sister, Wynona Williams. Online condolences may be posted on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. No flowers please.