William Joseph Ryan

With a clap of thunder, William Joseph "Bill" Ryan passed peacefully into the heavenly fields, embraced by his Savior, Jesus Christ on March 31, 2026 in the house that he built. Affectionately called "Farmer Bill" and "Grandpa Willie," he lived a life rooted in faith, family, and the land he so dearly loved.

For more than 60 years, Bill was the proud owner and operator of Ryan Family Farm. He was widely known in the area as "the farmer who raises the sweetest tasting corn ever." While he grew mostly corn and soybeans, Bill carried on his dad's tradition of growing vegetables and opened a self-serve farm market, a way for generations of "kids" to learn the value of hard work. At the heart of his self-serve market was a simple but powerful principle - trust. He enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor, and his quiet generosity left a lasting impression.

Above all, Bill's greatest joy was his family. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Vicky (Trapp), and together they built a life rich in love, and filled with laughter, adventure, and purpose over nearly 60 years of marriage. Their four children - Angie, Sara, Mark and Luke - along with 11 grandchildren and 3 greats, brought him indescribable happiness. He loved each one unconditionally and took pride in their individual accomplishments, enjoying their uniqueness and the family fun ever present when they were together, whether at the farm, or his happy place, Rose Lake in Coldwater, Michigan, or the cottage in Tucson, Arizona. 

Born on May 2, 1944, to Joseph and Rose (Olwick) Ryan, Bill was the youngest of seven children and grew up on the family farm in Holland, Ohio. He definitely preferred farming over school because his first day at Holland Elementary, he left early, walked along Airport Highway back to the farm, and declared, "I'm going to get a work permit like my big brother." However, he did return to school, attended St. Josephs and graduated in 1962 from Springfield High School. His passion for farming was a constant and after he and Vicky married, he worked at Toledo Truck Tube until part-time farming became full-time.

Service was a cornerstone of Bill's life. He volunteered as a firefighter for both the Whitehouse and Monclova Fire Departments and served as a Monclova Township Trustee. He was an active member of the Lucas County Farm Bureau, a lifetime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee, and a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus. When his children became involved in 4-H, Bill enthusiastically supported the Lucas County Fair and the Anthony Wayne FFA Alumni. He had fun attending livestock auctions and visiting farms with his children to select animals for show. His farm became a place of learning, hosting animal clinics, and welcoming school and scouting groups to experience agriculture firsthand. Over time, the farm grew to include sheep and swine, and family vacations often turned into trips to county fairs, National Junior Suffolk shows, and the Ohio State Fair, creating lifelong memories and friendships. Bill was honored to serve as Grand Marshall of the Lucas County Fair and also receive both the Chapter and State Honorary FFA Degrees.

A man of strong and abiding faith, Bill's spiritual life deepened through his involvement in Koinonia, an ecumenical retreat. He generously served on many teams, cooking, speaking, and leading, always in his gentle and humble manner. Though he often said, "I was born a Catholic, raised a Catholic, and will die a Catholic," he embraced the richness of his Catholic-Methodist family with love and openness.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Leonard, George, and Joe; his sisters, Mary Pruss, Rita Helle, and Shirley Keil; and his parents-in-law, Fred and Ann Trapp.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and devotion through his beloved wife, Vicky; his children, Angie (Tim) Barney, Sara (Bobby) Torres, Mark (Julia) Ryan, and Luke (Dayna) Ryan; and his cherished grandchildren, Nick (Chelsea) Barney, Nathan (Maddie) Barney, Nolan Barney, Austin Torres, Brandon Torres, Canyon Torres, Shyann Torres, Joselyn Ryan, Joseph Ryan, Case Ryan, and Rose Ryan. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Reagan, Ross, and Robert Barney.

Family and friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant Street, Maumee, where a scripture service and sharing of memories will be held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maumee.

If you wish to honor Bill's memory, please consider a donation to the Lucas County Junior Fair Auction, in memory of Bill Ryan so young people can continue to learn about farming, (1406 Key Street, Maumee).

Bill reminded everyone that "he lived a good life and was truly blessed!" Though he may be gone from this earth, his legacy will continue to grow in the lives he touched, like seeds sown in fertile ground.