----Source: Thorp Courier (Clark County) February 17, 1999

Josephine Marie Ryona, 89, Withee, died on Thursday, February 11, 1999, at St. Joseph's Hospital Hospice Care in Marshfield.

Funeral service was on Wednesday, February 17, 1999, 2:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen, with Reverend Father Al Jakubowski officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Withee. Pallbearers were Dick Laube, Joe Makovec, Harold Laube, Bob Hubbard, Harry Bruckschlager and Bernard Auberg. Visitation was on Wednesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at 2:00 p.m. Maurina Funeral Service, Owen assisted the family with arrangements.

The former Josephine Marie Jordan was born on February 2, 1910, in Frontanec, Kansas, the daughter of Louis and Theresa (Ratiz) Jordan. She was a 1928 graduate of Greenwood High School. She continued her education attending Central State Teachers College in Stevens Point and received her Bachelors Degree from the U of W Eau Claire Campus on August 8, 1942. Josephine and Martin I. Ryona were united in marriage at Greenwood. Her teaching career extended for 40 years including a one room school house teaching, all 8 grades at the West Eaton School, west of Greenwood. Josephine also taught for many years in the rural state grade schools throughout Clark County. Her last years were spent at the Loyal Grade School teaching the 5th grade. After retiring from public school teaching, she enjoyed another 20 years as a Catchecist of the Religious Education Program for public school students at Holy Rosary Church in Owen, preparing hundreds of young children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Her dedication and deep faith will be remembered by many children and adults.

From 1954 to 1976, Josephine and her husband owned and operated the Ryona Body Shop and Garage in Withee, eventually selling the business to their son, Marty. Previously from 1946 to 1954, they operated the Ryona Gas Station in Withee.

Josephine had resided at the Comforts of Home for the Elderly in Abbotsford since September of 1996. She was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and parish Council of Catholic Women.

Her loving grandson Lance (Marjorie) Ryona, Stillwater, MN, survives, including nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Martin I. Ryona July 14, 1990, son Martin Lawrence Ryona May 14, 1996 and Daughter-in-law Julie (Fillipp) Ryona November 4, 1996.