Suzanne Barnes Ryden

Madison - Suzanne (Sue) Barnes Ryden stopped having fun on Thursday, May 15, when she lost her 4 year battle against ovarian cancer and died at home at the age of 82. She was born in Marshfield, WI on November 13, 1931 to the late Arthur and Edna (DuFour) Barnes. Sue was married to Robert Ryden on January 29, 1955, and they enjoyed 30 years of a happy union until Bob's death in March, 1985.

She was a registered nurse, graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing, class of 1954. She moved to Madison 12 years ago, having lived in Marshfield WI, New Milford CT, and Neenah WI in previous years. Sue was active in nursing and in volunteering. The list of patients, hospitals, clinics, hospices, nursing homes, agencies, institutions, committees, boards, businesses and friends to which she has given service, if enumerated, would be lengthy. She was preceded in death by a brother Robert Barnes, and is survived by a sister Nancy Froehlke (Robert), Scottsdale AZ, and a sister-in-law Beth Barnes, Newtown PA. Her surviving children are two daughters and sons-in-law: Nancy and Robert Birmingham, Madison; Barbara Ryden and Richard Pogge, Columbus OH; one son Kent Ryden (Brenda Overstrom), Yarmouth ME; and a grandson Kevin Birmingham of Madison. She is also survived by nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephew, great-great nephews, and many loving friends.

There will be no service. Cremation will be followed by inurnment at the First Presbyterian Church in Neenah, next to Bob. Please no flowers. Memorials can be made payable to UW Foundation-Suzanne Barnes Ryden Memorial, US Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee WI 53278-0807.

A celebration of life gathering will be arranged at a later date.

Sue treasured her family and friends and felt blessed to spend her life among them.