Carolyn Reichelderfer O'Ryan

CAROLYN O'RYAN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Carolyn Ann Reichelderfer O'Ryan 71, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, stepped into timelessness September 26, 2004, at the Life Care Center of Idaho Falls. With family by her side, and a wonderful staff of aides and nurses keeping her comfortable, her courageous battle with mini-stroke-caused dementia mercifully came to an abrupt end. Carolyn was born July 30, 1933, in Tarlton, Ohio, to Arnold Reichelderfer and Elizabeth (Leist) Reichelderfer. She graduated from the Saltcreek Township High School of Tarlton before leaving her family farm to go out into the world and live life to the fullest. She became a legal secretary, and kicked up her heels for 44 years before settling down into wedded bliss. On December 11, 1977, Carolyn married Albert Leo O'Ryan, Jr. She inherited four stepchildren with her marriage. The couple lived in Columbus, Ohio, before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. AFter the death of her husband in 1991, Carolyn continued to reside in Florida until her stepson and daughter-in-law moved her to Idaho Falls in February of 2001 to better help her deal with her illness. It was hard for her to adjust to the dramatic climate change, but she soon learned how to bundle up for the harsh Idaho winters. Carolyn loved spending time with her family, being especially proud of her great-granddaughter, Faith Marie Later O'Ryan. She also fast became best friends with her daughter-in-law, and there wasn't a place in Idaho Falls they didn't frequent together. Throughout her life, Carolyn loved to laugh and was quite the character. She enjoyed good friends, crossword puzzles, tanning in the sun, dancing, dining out, drinking scotch and margaritas, and smoking cigarettes. She lived life to the fullest, and often told her family that she had absolutely no regrets. Carolyn is survived by her stepchildren: Albert "Leo" O'Ryan III (wife, Charm) of Idaho Falls, four grandchildren - Albert Leo O'Ryan IV, Stephan Michael James, Briar Rose, and Cheyenne Rose; and her great-granddaughter, Faith; Terry Wichterman (husband, Dave) and five grandchildren -- Ricky, Tricia, Wendy, Kim, and Colleen, and two great-grandchildren, Drake and Haley, all of Baltimore, Ohio; Janene Causby (husband, George) of Orange Park, Florida; Kathleen O'Ryan of South Carolina. She is also survived by two brothers and various nieces and nephews, Ned Reichelderfer (wife, Jean) of Tarlton, Ohio; Marvin Reichelderfer of Circleville, Ohio; and was especially close to her niece, Susan Shae (husband, Tom) of Ohio. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Al, and a brother, Carl Reichelderfer. Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2004, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge, Idaho Falls, with Charm's brother, Reverend Ted Mangini, officiating. The family would like to extend their many thanks to everyone involved in Carolyn's care over the past few yeasr. Such dedicated and loving people kept the family strong, and helped to give Carolyn an outstanding quality of life in her latter years. An old-fashioned Irish Wake will follow the services at 1731 Michael Street, Idaho Falls.