Bette Leaper Ryal, age 97, died October 15, 2016 in Gallipolis, OH at Holzer Senior Care. Born 4.28.19 in Gallipolis, OH, she was the oldest daughter of Chester and Beulah Morgan Leaper, of Gallipolis.

Graduating from Gallia Academy High School in 1937, she moved with her classmate and friend Edith Nuckles to northern Ohio where she met and married Patrick Joseph (PJ) Ryal Sr in Ravenna, OH on 7.4.46. She returned to Gallipolis after her husband's death in 1959 to raise her four children and worked in the Gallia County Auditor's office and later at the M.T. Epling Sand and Gravel Company. In 1969, she relocated to Columbus where she worked with Marianne Campbell at the Ohio Business and Professional Women's Club and also served as Administrative Assistant to President Larry Corbin of the Bob Evans Corporation. Returning to Gallipolis in 1986, she worked in the Holzer Healthcare System Business Office until her retirement.

Husband PJ Ryal Sr, sister Nancy (John) Houck, and brother Jim (Ann) Leaper preceded her in death. She is survived by four children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Her children include Mary Ann (Robert) Perkins of Cody, WY; PJ Jr (Janey) Ryal of Mt. Pleasant, SC and their daughters Erin Maureen (Danny) O'Brien of Dunwoody, GA, and their soon-to-arrive daughter Ellis Cassidy and Mary Jane (Derek) McConnell and their daughter Keaton and son Ryal Patrick of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Michael K (Maxine) Ryal of Powell, OH and their daughter Amanda (Brad) Mason; and Maureen Ryal Mishler and her children McKenzie (David) Francis and their children Kaleb and Samantha; Mallory; and Brennan and his son Wyatt all of Reno, NV. She is also survived by sister Peggy (Earl) Wills of Marietta.

Bette enjoyed local bridge club circles, the GAHS Class of 37's reunion committee, televised sports and oil painting. She was active in the local and state Business and Professional Woman's Association.

Special thanks go to the staffs of Holzer Assisted Living, the Holzer Senior Care Center, Dr. Christopher Marazon and to her special friends Lennie and Jerry Davis for exceptional kindness shown toward Bette.

Honoring her wishes, there will be no funeral. Her cremated remains will be buried in Hillside Cemetery, in Mantua, OH next to her husband. Calling hours will be held at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home from 3 pm to 5 pm on Thursday, November 3, 2016.   Friends are invited to sign the on-line guest book.