Barbara A. Ryan

Barbara Ann Ryan, age 73, of Belding, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, while residing at Faith Hospice, Trillium Woods.

She was born on October 2, 1952, the daughter of Louis Gene Becraft and Phyllis Betty (Mackowicz) Becraft, in Sturgis, Michigan. She grew up in White Pigeon, Michigan, and graduated from White Pigeon High School with the Class of 1970, where her senior yearbook quote read: "I wish everything was as easy to understand as school." She made good on those words, continuing her education at Western Michigan University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and spending her career helping young people understand the world a little better. She taught Spanish language classes for many years, retiring from Cedar Springs Schools. She married Patrick J. Ryan in a beautiful ceremony near Woods Lake in 1996, and he preceded her in death in 2011.

In her spare time, Barbara was a dedicated distance runner who completed the Grand Rapids Marathon at age 66, ran 13 half marathons, and countless 5K and 10K races, often in costume with her beloved dogs Ana and Rusty at her side. She was involved with the No Surrender Running Club of West Michigan. She dedicated years to youth mentorship, serving as a Girl Scout leader for seven years and teaching fifth-grade drug abuse prevention through Project C.H.A.R.L.I.E. (Chemical Abuse Resolution Lies in Education). She loved to dance, from line dancing and freestyle at the Newaygo County Sportsman's Club to Appalachian-style clogging. A lifelong singer, Barbara lent her voice to the church choirs at First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon, where she grew up, and First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. Friends and family knew her as the one who could always be counted on for a spirited rendition of "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" at karaoke night.

Barbara is survived by her children, Matt Matecki of Portage and Laurie Matecki of Sanford, North Carolina; Patrick's children, Sean (Beth) Ryan of Belding, Shannon (Stephanie) Ryan of Plainwell, and Christine (Josh) Coleman of Negaunee; grandchildren Barbee, Patrick, Alaina, Donovan, Fiona, Briana, Jacob, Joey, Isabella, Zachary, and Megan; great-granddaughter Myee; and many dear friends from her years of running, fitness, and karaoke, many of whom were a tremendous source of comfort and support during these last several trying months.

In addition to her parents and her husband Patrick, Barbara was preceded in death by her sister, Shirley (Perry) Betts, and her brother, Ronald "Ronny" (Carol) Becraft.

A celebration of life will be held this summer. Details will be announced on Barbara's Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to express their sympathy are encouraged to consider a donation in Barb’s memory to the American Cancer Society, The Ionia County Animal Shelter or The Humane Society of West Michigan. Cremation has been entrusted to Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. For additional information, please contact (616) 794-1300 or visit www.verdunfh.com.