Published: July 31, 2009 10:40 pm         

Nannie M. Grizzel Ryder

Nan was born Nov. 29, 1919, in War, W. Va., to Harrison and Julia Altizer. She was the oldest of seven children, having two sisters and four brothers. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, (Theada); brothers, (James and Bailey). She is survived by her sister, Grace Sanders of Terre Haute, and two brothers, J.C. Altizer of Cedar Bluff, Va. and Olan Altizer of Tazwell, Va.

She married Frank Grizzel, Sr. in 1940 and he preceded her in death in 1968. She is survived by their four children: Judy (Paul) Harbaugh of Terre Haute; Frank Grizzel Jr. of Terre Haute; Larry (Sharon) Grizzel Sr. of Jasonville and Sue Brocker of Clinton; 21 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Nan married Guy Ryder in 1976 and he preceded her in death in 1985.

Nan moved to the Terre Haute area in 1960 and was employed at Packered Shirt Manufacturing Company until the company closed. She was then employed at Allstate Vending Company until she retired in 1988.

Nan was an active member of Eighth Avenue Baptist Church where she served as a Deaconess and helping in the kitchen. She attended the Friendly Circle Sunday School Class and looked forward to their monthly class fellowships.

Nan was an avid bowler and was well known in the Terre Haute area for her many awards, including President/Secretary award; Senior bowler of the year; and Secretary of the year on two occasions. She was a member of the Womens’ bowling league, the Church bowling league and the Friday Senior Citizen bowling league. She carried a high series of 640 and a high game of 278. She has numerous trophies, pins and patches — too many to list!

She was an all around sports fan (baseball, basketball and football) and especially loved the Indianapolis Colts and attended their training camp. She also enjoyed embroidering and crafts of all kinds and was a doll collector, with 75 dolls in her collection. She took great pride in her gardening and especially loved red geraniums. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed Branson, Mo. Her family looked forward to her cooking and she was well known for her biscuits and gravy, spaghetti and peanut butter pie.

Nan passed away on July 29, 2009, at Union hospital with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by her side. She was a loving mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by her family and friends, but all rest in the fact that she is with her Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at Roselawn Memorial Park. Funeral services are 11 a.m. on Monday with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m. at Eighth Avenue Baptist Church with pastor Dick Smith and Monte Vincent officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park.