Geraldyne Ryman Havard, 93, of Matagorda, Texas went home to the Lord Monday, June 14, 2010. She was born June 17, 1916 in the same house in which she was currently living and has lived in since 1947. She was a woman dedicated to others. She loved her church (Matagorda United Methodist Church), her family, and her community. She believed in serving God by serving others which she continued to do even in the pain of her last years.

She taught school in Matagorda for a number of years, and then worked for the State of Texas Social Services until she retired. Throughout this time she remained devoted to her church and her family. She was active in so many church, community and county organizations. She was on the County Historical Commission for a number of years, was a charter member of the Matagorda Historical Society, a charter member of the Pink Ladies, a charter member of the River's End Garden Club, and a life member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post #4459. She taught Sunday School, bible studies, played the piano and organ and remained a faithful member and officer of the Matagorda United Methodist Women for well over 60 years. Geraldyne was currently serving as President of the Matagorda Cemetery Board and the Cemetery Association and was the current acting president of the Matagorda Branch Friends of the Library. Such devotion to her community resulted in a 2009 County Proclamation renaming Matagorda Historical Day in her honor. In the summer of 2009 she was also delighted to represent her community as she cut the ribbon at the dedication of the new causeway bridge. A true saint, she gave so much in service to others. She will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents George Carroll Ryman and Louise Walker Ryman, her husband Henry Douglas Havard, and her brother Carroll Walker Ryman. She is survived by daughter Kary L. Havard of Matagorda, brother William P. Ryman of Matagorda, nephews Grover Carroll Ryman, William P. Ryman II, Mac Burris, Robert Burris, niece Laura Ryman Shay, and numerous grand nephews and nieces, and great-grand nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. on Wed., June 16th at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, TX. Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the Matagorda United Methodist Church with Rev. Pauline Storey officiating. Internment will follow at the Matagorda Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Ry Johnathan Ryman, Travis Ryman, Joseph Bokorney II, Tell Bokorney, James Breazeale, and Matt Staszescky. Honorary pallbearers are Carl Anderson, Devant Sterry, Steve Parsutt, Gardner Serrill, Grover Ryman, Will Ryman, and Matthew Shay. Memorials may be made to the Matagorda United Methodist Church or the Matagorda Cemetery Association.