Eleanor Ruth (Heaps) Ryan

Eleanor Ruth Heaps Ryan, beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Born in Pylesville, Maryland, Eleanor was the youngest of eleven children and grew up in a home full of faith, laughter, and family. She carried those same values throughout her life, building a family rooted in God, love, and joy alongside her devoted husband, Donald T. Ryan, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Eleanor is survived by her devoted family: her sister, Mary, who recently celebrated her 106th birthday; her daughter Kim; her sons Mike (Cindy) and Rob (Sharon); and her six beautiful grandchildren, who brought her tremendous joy and pride — Rebecca, Alex, Michael (Kindra), Anna, Stephen, and Matthew. She was also blessed with two wonderful great-grandchildren, Sloane and Josiah. 

Eleanor was an avid sports fan and a natural athlete from the very beginning. A high school star on both the basketball and softball teams, she continued her love of sports well into adulthood. Whether serving as the “all-time quarterback” for neighborhood pickup games on Bordley Drive in Houston, Texas, or beating her sons in ping pong well into their teens, Eleanor’s competitive spirit and playful energy were unmatched. She was a fierce doubles tennis player, winning many championships at Hercules Country Club, and a talented bowler with multiple 600+ series to her name.

But Eleanor’s zest for life extended far beyond sports. She was the life of every celebration, the first on the dance floor — especially if a partner could keep up with her jitterbug. Her laughter was infectious, her joy contagious, and her warmth immeasurable.

Eleanor’s true love of life was only surpassed by her deep love for her family — and that, in turn, was surpassed only by her profound love for God. It is knowing this that lifts the veil of emptiness and sorrow, allowing the light and joy that is Jesus to guide her family and friends today and always.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, October 9 from 5:00 – 7:00PM at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 10 at 10:30AM at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, followed by interment at All Saints Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Eleanor’s name to Catholic Charities, 2601 W. 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805 or The Independence School, 1300 Paper Mill Road, Newark DE 19711.

Eleanor’s life was a beautiful testament to joy, faith, and devotion. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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