Annie Mae Ryals

The celebration of life of Annie Mae Ryals began on Oct 9, 1932 to her parents, John Melton Thomas and Ann Maltidia McWhortor of Wattensaw, Ark. As Ann continued her life, she met the love of her life, Millard Ryals in Jacksonville, Ark. Ann was employed at a Tint and Awning company, while Millard was in the Ark. National Guard. They married in June 30, 1953. Ann soon started her career at Teletype, Little Rock Ark., where she was employed for 32 years. Her employment there led to many long and blessed friendships she carried throughout her life. Ann is survived by 2 sons, Calvin Ray Ryals and wife Sharon Laverne Ryals of Mt View, Ark, Timothy Ray Ryals and wife Wendy Joyce Ryals of Conway, Ark., 2 grandchildren and spouses, Tyler Ray Ryals and wife Kaityln , Shelby Jordan (Ryals) Story and husband Brett, 6 step grandchildren, 10 step great grandchildren and 2 step great great grandchildren. Ann has 2 brothers, Dan Bowen and wife Loretta of Greers Ferry Ark., Butch Bowen and wife Rita of Jacksonville Ark., 2 sisters, Dorthy and husband JC Kitchel of East End Ark., and Dixie Ewton of Canon City, Colo., and many nephews and nieces she loved dearly. Ann is proceeded in death by both parents, John and Maltildia (Bowen) Thomas, husband, Millard Ray Ryals, and her youngest sister, Katherine Shepard. Ann loved the Lord, going to church and recently when unable to travel, watching John Hagee on Sunday mornings. Ann enjoyed living her life to its fullest. She was very witty and playful. She enjoyed life so much, whether it was traveling, working in her flower garden especially around her roses, shopping on QVC, dressing to the nines, and being with and reminiscing with her sisters and brothers. However, her most favorite pastime was being with her 2 boys and grandchildren. She loved them dearly and they were her whole life. If Ann had one thing that she wanted her life to represent, it would be Love and Forgiveness because that is who Ann was. We will celebrate her life at Wesley Chapel Church, Quitman, Ark. Visitation will be at 10, and graveside service will be at 11. Olmstead Funeral Home, 601 Main St, Heber Springs Ark., 72540 is where flowers and arrangements are being sent.