Ernest was born on May 15, 1942, in Ashland, Nebraska to Guy Ernest and Mary Beck Ryan.
He attended public school in Lincoln, Nebraska until the 11th grade when he quit school and joined the Navy. He spent his time on two aircraft carriers (The USS Oriskany and The USS Wandark ATA-204). He loved his time in the Navy. His last job there involved steering ships in critical situations. In his words, “I was really gung-ho about this, and I could still do this today”.
He married Dorothy Ann Boseman on September 18, 1964. There were no children from that marriage, however he considered her four children and their children his family.
As a civilian he worked for Cushman’s in Lincoln, Nebraska, State of Nebraska, Fruchauf in Decatur, Alabama, Redstone Machine and Tool, in Huntsville, Alabama, and Champion Paper Mill.
His wife Dorothy Ann Ryan passed away July 24, 2000.
A new Chapter, according to him, “God sent a woman from my youth for me to Love and Share the rest of my life with”. Dorothy Catherine Bettinger became my wife on October 20, 2001.
Earnest was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Ryan; brother, Ronnie Ryan; stepchildren Melanie Martin, Douglas Mueller and Debra Mueller.
Ernest is survived by his wife, Dorothy Catherine Ryan; three brothers, Guy (Butch) Ryan and wife Nancy, William Ryan and his wife Sherry, Robert (Bobby) Ryan; stepchildren Ron, Karl, Rick, Linda Boseman, all from Lincoln, Nebraska, Kristy (Abel) Cisneroz, Tafy, Texas, Daniel (Abby) Spicer, Lincoln, Nebraska; 18 step-grandchildren, from first wife; 18 step-grandchildren from second wife; many great great grandchildren. Bonus daughters Ginny Friar and Valerie Mackon. Many nieces and nephews and a host of precious friends.
