Merle Leroy Ryan

Merle L. Ryan, 67, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA on October 17, 2026 following a brief illness.

Merle was born on November 4, 1958 in Honesdale, Pennsylvania to Oscar and Dora (Wittig) Ryan, both of whom preceded him in death. He will be missed by his sisters: Debbie Ryan, Judy Starner, and Patty Ryan, and his niece and nephews: Nicholas Starner, Mary Elizabeth Endrusick, and Matthew Starner. He will also be missed by his many loving cousins.

After graduating from Western Wayne High School in 1976, Merle joined the U.S. Air Force. He excelled after boot camp and was promoted to Sergeant while assigned to an airplane maintenance crew. After 4 years of service, he received an honorable discharge.

Merle was a typical teenager; he was handsome, fun-loving, and filled with mischief. In the summers, he worked for his father's plumbing business and spent his free time with his friends. He hunted in the rural Pennsylvania woods where he grew up, snowmobiled in the winter, and could always be found at a weekend party with the rest of the guys his age.

After leaving the Air Force, life took a turn for Merle that none of us could have foreseen. After several years of increasingly chaotic events, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a relentless and exhausting mental illness. His ability to have normal thought processes dissolved. He struggled with delusions, paranoia, and unwanted voices. The disease increased in severity and Merle found it too difficult to remain anywhere for very long. The disease burdened every aspect of his life. He became a roamer, then he eventually became homeless and remained so for 30 years.

After years living on the street, Merle developed a heart condition which required hospitalization. Upon discharge, the Veterans Administration helped Merle find permanent supportive housing. With adequate healthcare, Merle was able to heal, recover, reclaim his dignity, and live life to his fullest ability. He was also able to enjoy creature comforts that he did not have for many years.

Although Merle battled schizophrenia for 45 years, he was a gentle soul, known for his kind heart and respectful manner. He fought his disease with strength, courage and eventually, acceptance. He found joy in the simple things life offered, such as a hot cup of coffee or a warm seat in the sun. Merle also had an amazing generosity; for all the days he went hungry, or slept outside being homeless, he always shared whatever he had with anyone who was kind and understanding. He will be missed by all the hearts he touched.

Merle was grateful to everyone who helped him. His family would like to especially acknowledge the care he received at McGee's Guest Home and the dedication and hard work of the Veterans Administration staff.

Following cremation, Merle will be laid to rest with his parents in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners, Owego Turnpike, Waymart, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Merle's honor may be made to your favorite charity.

Local arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.