"I am so sorry to hear of Ms. Ryser's passing. She was one of my favorite teachers and was a true inspiration. She always had a smile on her face and I will never forget her acting out the part of The Glass Menagerie, not to mention Dolly Levi. She was one in a million and I am beyond sorry I didn't get to say goodbye and thank her for everything."
In loving memory of
Carolyn Joan Ryser
January 3, 1940 - March 6, 2017
Carolyn Joan Ryser passed away peacefully while holding her daughters' hands on March 6, 2017.
Born January 3, 1940 in Solsberry, Indiana, Joan was the daughter of George and Clareva Eller. She was the valedictorian of Bloomfield High School where she was active in student government and cheerleading. Joan continued her education at Indiana University on academic scholarship where she studied English and earned her bachelor's degree in Education. She later completed her master's degree.
An accomplished and beautiful pianist, Joan accompanied The Churchmen Gospel Quartet and even recorded a few albums as a young woman. Her grandchildren inherited her musical talents and Joan faithfully attended their orchestra and choir concerts and musicals. She attended many softball, baseball, and soccer games as well as swim meets.
Joan was proud of having taught English for 44 years at Bloomington High School South. While at South, she was also the assistant coach of the girls' volleyball and basketball teams and was supportive of the high school drama program. She retired in 2010.
After her retirement, Joan moved to Indianapolis to be closer to her daughters and her grandchildren. She was active in the book club, bridge club, and Bible study at Marquette Manor where she developed many new friendships. Joan also made good use of her teaching skills by volunteering at Eastbrook Elementary School.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents. She will be missed and remembered lovingly by her daughters Angela Ryser Bahling and Dr. Jill Mazurek, her grandchildren Nick, Sophie, and Emma Mazurek and Micaela Bahling, as well as her brother Ron Eller, and his wife Sherry.
Funeral services will be held at First Church of the Nazarene in Bloomington on Saturday, March 11th at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. A memorial service will be held at Marquette Manor in Indianapolis on Thursday, March 16th at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to The Writers Guild at Bloomington, P.O. Box 3445 Bloomington, IN 47402-3445 or writersguildbloomington.com with "Joan Ryser" on the memo line.
Tributes
"Jill and Angela, Two of your mother's earliest teaching friends, Jill Carraway and Debbie Horning, send you their love. We remember the two of you as little girls when we first met your mother and became team teachers with her during her first year of teaching. One thing we particularly appreciate was her forgiving us for convincing her that she had to memorize the school philosophy for the evaluation team that year. She was diligent and did so. We shared many laughs with her about that in later years. Joan was a good friend and colleague with me (Debbie) for many years. I appreciated her spirited contributions to our departmental discussions, her mastery of grammar, her business skill in working with the drama department, her support of girls' athletics, and her sense of humor and kindness in our interactions. She was a special person to me and I will miss her. Jill and I send our condolences to you and your families, knowing how your mother loved and admired both of you. "
"I was saddened to hear about Joan's passing. I taught English at Bloomington South with her for a short period of time. She was a true inspiration to the many students that passed thru her classroom door, including when I was blessed to have her as a teacher during the 1970s. My heart felt condolences to the family. She was a true blessing. Best wishes Jack Morrison"
"Jill, I am so sorry to hear about your, mom. She was an amazing person and teacher. She inspired so many---both inside and outside the classroom. Her smile and warmth always made people feel good and you knew she cared. My sincerest sympathies to you and your family. I wish I could be there for you tomorrow. We are out of town visiting my folks. My mom and I will both be thinking of her and you. Love, hugs, and prayers. Susan Elkins Goldsworthy "
"We are so very sorry to learn of Mrs. Ryser's passing, she was my senior year English teacher and she sure made it fun!!! She also lived across the street from me in Fritz Terrace and I babysat for Jill & Angela occasionally. Rest in peace, sweet lady!! Tara Woods Pierson & Duane Hardwick BHSS '73"