Communities are mourning the death of a former Johnsburg library director and Woodstock librarian who was battling ALS and had dedicated over two decades of service, touching the hearts of many with her contagious smile and unwavering passion for literacy.
Elizabeth “Beth” Ryan, who previously served as the director of the Johnsburg Public Library for over eight years, died on Sunday at the age of 56, the library announced on social media.
Ryan’s last day at the library was on March 13 after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is a disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Beth Ryan,” the Johnsburg Public Library said Monday morning.
The library closed on Monday to mourn Beth, and they will be closed at 5 p.m. Thursday and all day Friday to attend her visitation and funeral.
Ryan was a life-long Crystal Lake resident and leaves behind her husband Bill and two daughters, Kelly and Nicki.
Ryan was very well-known in the McHenry County library community and dedicated over two decades of service to multiple communities.
She began as a reference librarian at the Woodstock Public Library in 2003 and remained in the position for over 15 years before becoming the director for Johnsburg Public Library in August 2017.
Ryan also served on the PrairieCat Administrative Council as a public library representative and treasurer.
She had a lifelong passion for reading and was particularly fond of the works of Dr. Seuss, Judy Blume, Stephen King, Markus Zusak, Kathryn Stockett, Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry.
“It has been a privilege to serve Johnsburg,” Ryan said on Facebook on her last day at the library.
“We have an exceptional library and the most amazing staff. Thank you for letting me be a part of this for the last 8 1/2 years,” she added.
Staff at the Woodstock Public Library were saddened by news of Ryan’s death, calling it a “devastating loss,” and offered their condolences to the Ryan and O’Hagan families.
The Woodstock Public Library said that Ryan “had the ability to light up a room and inspire all to care and be better.”
“She cared deeply about the patrons and staff at Woodstock and we know that she carried that to the Johnsburg Public Library when she was named library director,” the Woodstock Public Library said.
The Crystal Lake Public Library was also saddened by the news.
“She was a staunch supporter of libraries ~ our library in particular,” the Crystal Lake Public Library said.
“We will miss her smile and wit! Our hearts are with her family and the staff of Johnsburg Public Library.”
United Way of McHenry County said, “It was always a true delight to see Beth when she would come to the office with a check that turned summer library fees into a wonderful donation. Beth’s Dad, John O’Hagan, made an everlasting impact on our United Way during the 21 years that he served as our President & CEO.”
“Beth has made an everlasting impact in McHenry County by advancing literacy and a love of reading. Beth has always been a cheerful and kind leader with an enduring legacy, just like her Dad,” United Way of McHenry County added.
Representative Suzanne Ness of Illinois House District 66, who is a friend of Ryan, proposed House Resolution 909 to honor Ryan’s fight with ALS.
The Illinois House of Representatives unanimously passed the resolution last Wednesday.
Ryan “dedicated her career to the service of her community through the power of literacy and information,” the resolution said.
“Beth Ryan’s commitment to excellence led her to earn a master’s degree in library and information science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2010, specializing as a reference librarian to better serve and engage with her patrons.”
“Beth Ryan has served with distinction as the director of the Johnsburg Public Library since 2017, where her wit, kindness, and genuine spirit have touched countless lives,” the resolution said.
Ryan was known for her hands-on approach, actively assisting with programs, working the desk and engaging in community outreach.
Despite her ALS diagnosis, Ryan was unwavering in her sense of humor and continued to inspire her colleagues and community.
Ryan’s friends and family organized a GoFundMe fundraiser on April 29 to support Beth’s battle against ALS.
Nearly 400 people raised over $50,000 as of Tuesday evening.
A visitation will be held at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 West Terra Cotta Avenue in Crystal Lake, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday.
A continued visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1023 McHenry Avenue in Crystal Lake, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, followed by a funeral mass at 11 a.m. and a burial at the Crystal Lake Memorial Park.
“Beth was a colorful person, so please wear colorful clothes to the services!” the family said.
“Beth will always be remembered for her sharp wit and love of life, travel, pretty sundresses,” the Woodstock Public Library said.