Passion. That word accurately describes what Doris Fisher Ryland ’41 brought to her life’s mission – helping others, from newborns to the aged. After graduating from SHS, Doris went to Olivet College in Indiana. Serious illness forced her to withdraw before graduating, and she returned to Shelby.
After marrying and having three children, she decided to address a need she saw – a loving home for the many babies being given up by their mothers to children services agencies. Beginning in 1957 and continuing for 21 years, Doris served as a foster mother for more than 100 children, mostly infants but also up to age 6. She cared for them from one month to a year. In 1960 she formally adopted one who became an SHS graduate.
When at 55 Doris concluded she no longer could serve as a full-time mother, she redirected her passion. She enrolled in nursing school and became an LPN, working at Mansfield General Hospital. Later still she became a volunteer at Shelby Memorial Hospital, continuing there until age 81. Observes a fellow alum, “She gave her whole life to giving and taking care of those in need.”
Doris passed away at age 82 on June 11, 2005. Her children are Ron Ryland ’64, Kathy Ryland Reed Milliron ’66, both of Shelby, Rebecca Ryland ’70 of Montana and Lori Ryland Wood ’78 of Shelby. Doris had seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and three step-great grandchildren. Her husband Don Ryland ’42 died on July 26 at age 87 in Sandusky.
Standing in for Doris at the induction are her daughters, Kathy Ryland Milliron ’66, Rebecca Ryland ’70, and Lori Ryland Wood ’78.
Doris’ nominator: Kathy Ryland Reed Milliron ’66.