Lillian Evelyn Ryther

Lillian Evelyn (McDougall) Ryther May 21, 1920 – Dec. 11, 2017    Lillian Evelyn (McDougall) Ryther passed away to be with Jesus on December 11, 2017. She was born May 21, 1920 to Ernest and Ida (Holt) McDougall in Clay County, Minnesota. She graduated from Hawley schools in 1938.    She started working at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as an operator in 1939 and was working in Park Rapids, Minnesota when she met William Ryther. They married on June 1, 1947 in Hawley, Minnesota.    They resided in several communities before purchasing a farm in rural Anoka, Minnesota to raise their nine children. Lillian returned to the telephone company in 1967, retiring in January 1984.    In 1987, Lil and Will moved to a lake home in Park Rapids. They travelled all over the United States during their retirement years. Because of health issues, they moved to Andover, Minnesota in February 2016 to be closer to their children.    Lillian was known for her homemade bread and buns, but especially her caramel rolls. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and writing poetry. She’s also remembered by immediate family for her annual homemade Christmas ornaments. Singing in church was very important to her, both in the choir and as a soloist.    She was preceded in death by sister Mildred Johnson, and brothers Lowell, Earl, Verle and Gordon; son-in-law Curt Dollansky and grandsons Dana Ryther and David Ryther.    Survived by loving husband of 70 years, William; daughters Rose (Ross) Ayversone, Virginia Dollansky, Lois (Bruce) Novak, Beverly Ryther (Jim Hayden) and sons William (Linda), Donald (Jeanine), Larry (Tami), Michael (Sharon), Robert (Renee); 17 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren as well as many other extended family and friends.    Arrangements through the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home, Park Rapids, Minnesota.    In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to First Baptist Church to support the music department.