Helen Louise Ryan, 94, passed peacefully on Feb. 20, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was preceded indeath byher husband Elbert John Ryan married 43 years and son Ricky Blair Ryan.
She is survived by son Kent Ryan (Dru), daughter Candy Hill (Mark), Penny Gardner (Brad).
Shehad 9grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.
Helen lived an amazing life. She worked for the Butte County Sheriffs Dept for 27 ½years. She rose through the ranks starting as dispatcher/ matron to become Jail Commander. She was the first sworn female deputy. Sheretired as a Sergeant in charge ofthe Civil Division when she retired in 1993. Never one tosit still, she spent many years working at Butte Auto Parts as Bookkeeper.
After her retirement she enjoyed traveling with family and friends. She especially enjoyed spending time in Fort Bragg, and country music.
She was a wonderful loving mother, grandmother, and friend.
There was nothing she loved more than spending time with her family.
Services will be held at the Gridley Biggs Cemetery onMarch 3rd, at 11 am with acelebration of life to be held afterwards at the Gridley Moose.