Ida (Vetere) Ryan, 98, of Bakersfield, California, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024. She was born on May 24, 1925, in Green River, Utah, the fourth of seven children born to John and Maria Vetere.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Louis, Frank, Charley, John, Jr., and Jay; sister, Rose Politano; son, Richard Black; grandson, Richard Lee Black; and nephew, John Vetere.
She is survived by her son, Ron Black; grandchildren, Raul Black, Christina Rivera, Trina Black, and Phillip Black; great-grandchildren, Brea Williams, Berklee Brown, and Audrey and Roman Black; and great-great-grandchildren; Cove Brown and Theo and Stevie Williams.
Ida’s life was one of hard work and sacrifice; values she learned growing up on a small family farm. She worked as a waitress during high school where she met and married, Verdell Black. They moved to Helper and had two sons, Richard and Ronnie. Following rocky times, the marriage ended and Ida and the boys returned to Green River. She met and married, John King, a co-worker of her brother, Frank. In 1950, they moved to Newhall, California. John was killed in a car accident in 1959. After her two boys graduated high school she changed her career as a waitress and became a licensed Real Estate Agent. She met and married Don Ryan and together they worked selling real estate. Unfortunately, things did not work out well and Ida decided she was better off on her own rather than married. Her senior years, along with work, were primarily spent at an active senior living complex; Valley Oaks Village. There she participated in many activities, events, and trips which she enjoyed immensely.
She loved the holidays with her children and grandchildren and loved to visit her family in Green River, Utah. When she was younger and able she would take her two boys on the long journey to Green River by Greyhound Bus and later by car. She really enjoyed her time with her brothers and sister and nieces and nephews. Now she is taking her last trip home.
Memorial Mass, Saturday, April 27, 2024, 10:30 a.m., St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Mission (40 North Long Street) in Green River. The family will receive friends at the church starting at 10:00 a.m. Committal Service, Elgin Cemetery in Green River. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price and Huntington where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Ida online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Ida Ryan.