Pete Elma Griffith Ryan

Mrs. 'Pete'? Elma Griffith Ryan, age 82, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center at 9:30 AM on March 26, 2013, after a long illness. Pete was born in Huntdale, North Carolina, to Mr. & Mrs. Ernest H. Griffith on July 31, 1930. Her parents and three sisters, Elena, Eloise and Elora, preceded her in death. She was a graduate of Tipton Hill High School in Mitchell County, NC, and she attended Appalachian State University and Steed College. She was employed at Glen Raven Mills in Burnsville, North Carolina until 1960, when she married John Haynes Ryan. She worked with her husband, John, at John Ryan Automobiles, Inc. Pete was saved and baptized in the First Methodist Church, Johnson City in 1950. After she married John Ryan, she joined First Presbyterian Church, where she served until 1988, when she joined Princeton Presbyterian Church. She attended Downtown Christian Church from 2004 until her death. She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, John H. Ryan; a special cousin, Ruth Banks; nine nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the M&M Offering at Downtown Christian Church, 335 E. Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601. The funeral service for Mrs. 'Pete'? Elma Griffith Ryan will be conducted at 7 PM Thursday, March 28, 2013, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Eddie Fine will officiate. Music will be under the direction of Brent Billheimer. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 10 AM Friday in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Minister, family, and friends are requested to meet at the cemetery by 9:50 AM Friday. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Thursday prior to the service.