Sandra L Ryan

Sandra Ryan, 74, of Toledo passed away on Monday January 2, 2017 at the University Medical Center. Sandra was born in Toledo on August 7, 1942 to Wayne and Audrey Clem. Sandra Ryan was a pioneer in the real estate industry in Toledo Ohio. She was licensed with Hennessey DiSalle Realty in 1968 and soon after moved to Grogan Realty. The industry at that time was dominated by men especially the ownership of RE Companies. Knowing that a recession was around the corner, in fall of 1979, Sandra along with her husband Bob, John and Cheryl Wakelin and Bill Conklin were inspired to create a company that would cater to realtors who wanted to maintain a positive attitude and prosper during a down market. They founded Century 21 Briarcrest Realty which later became Century 21 Americrest Realty. Every broker/owner maintained their own book of business while each contributing to the recruiting of agents & training while Bill Conklin managed the company. A woman broker/owner became the norm from that time on because of Sandra Ryan. She had a gift of being able to connect with people and always showed her large heart when someone needed help or advice. Her sense of humor was infectious and all loved her boisterous laugh. She also proved to be a talented negotiator but was also fair. She inspired other women in the community to become real estate entrepreneurs due to her brave example and proved that women can be successful while maintaining ethics and integrity. Sandra could always be trusted to keep her word. You never had to wonder where you stood with her as she was honest, forthright, and transparent. Her loyalty, love and sharp wittedness will be sorely missed by all who knew her and Toledo will miss her dearly. The last house she sold (in December of 2016) belonged to the son of one of her very first customers. Sandra was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob. She is survived by her son Brad (Jennifer), daughter Leslie (Andy), grandson Kian, step daughters Mary Ryan-Bulone and Anne Mendez (Eric), step sons Robert and James and step grandchildren Peter, Samuel, and Michael; as well as loving friends in both the Toledo and Las Vegas communities. Friends may call on Thursday, January 5th, 2017 at The Walter Funeral Home, 4653 Glendale Ave, from 2-8 PM. Vigil services will be held at 7 PM. Funeral services will begin on Friday, January 6th with prayers from the funeral home at 9:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 AM from St Patrick of Heatherdowns Church, 4201 Heatherdowns Blvd. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Donations in Sandra’s memory can be made to the Island Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, 2337 South Linda Drive, Marblehead, OH 43440. Please leave an online condolence at walterfuneralhome.com or share the obituary via our Facebook page.