Leona A. Ryba, 84, passed away Monday, January 16 2023 at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born on July 23, 1938 in Chicago, IL to the late Tony and Mary (Mattea) Blizniak.

She attended Pulaski schools where she graduated. Leona went on to a vocational school for her business degree. She worked for trucking companies doing the billing and filing.

On August 23, 1958 she married Leonard Ryba at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Pulaski and together they had four children. After raising her kids she worked at Western Lanes Bowling Alley for over 25 years and then at St. Vincent DePaul until her stroke prevented her from continuing to work.

Leona enjoyed so much being around her children and grandchildren. She had a visit from one, sometimes two or three of them every day. Leona was proud of each and every one of them. The card game "31" was a family tradition that was played with many laughs and jokes. She was always giving and very fortunate to receive so many hugs and kisses from her children and grandchildren. She was truly the rock of the family and with the help of her husband they raised the most loving, caring, and dedicated children who have instilled those wonderful qualities in her grandchildren.

Leona also enjoyed attending Curative Connections where she participated in a group program to keep her socially and physically engaged in everyday living. She loved all animals, especially her Shelties she had through the years. She leaves behind the most dedicated one, Shelby, who was by her side until Leona took her last breath.

Leona's garage was her "happy place." She could sit out there for hours finding things to repair, spray paint, WD40, or clean. She loved gardening and canning, going out to eat, enjoying a good old fashion or rye whiskey, going to rummage sales, always looking to find that "great" deal, riding her bike, and she always looked forward to playing cards with her "best" friends, Lucille, Alice, and Kenny. They certainly were true friends that stood by her through all her up downs with her health.

Leona is survived by her three daughters, Linda (Tom) Sorenson, Lorraine (Mike) Matuszak, Julie (Marty) Freeman; son, Dave Ryba (Vivian); 11 grandchildren, Nick (Haylie) Sorenson, Brandon (Jeanna) Matuszak, Bridget Matuszak (fiancée Jonathon Eichstaedt), Bradley (Windy) Matuszak, Mitchell (Erica) Sorenson, Brittany Matuszak (Mark), Morgan (Kade) Ortner, Taylor Sorenson, Amber Freeman, Brock Freeman (Ella), Mason Freeman; nine great grandchildren, Konnor, Karli, Austin, Raina, Cayson, Zoey, Miles, Olivia, Owen; three sisters-in-law, Joyce Ryba, Gert Ryba, Bernice Gutowski; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard; her parents; two sisters, Phyllis and Patsy; two step-sisters, Sophie and Irene; step-brother, Joe; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Friends and family will gather at Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 Gray St., on Saturday, January 21 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Tony De los Santos officiating. Inurnment will be in Fort Howard Memorial Park. To send online condolences, please visit www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com .

Leona's family extends a special thank you to Unity Hospice, Dr. Bongiorno and staff, as well as Curative Connections for all the love and care given to their mom and grandma.