Helen Louise Ryan, 94, passed peacefully on Feb 20, 2026, surrounded by her family. She

was preceded in death by her 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). She had 9 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.

Helen lived an amazing life. She worked for the Butte County Sheriffs Dept for 27 ½ years.

She rose through the ranks starting as dispatcher/matron to become Jail Commander. She

was the first sworn female deputy. She retired as a Sergeant in charge of the Civil Division

when she retired in 1993. Never one to sit 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 on March 3rd, at 11 am with a

celebration of life to be held afterwards at the Gridley Moose.