EXTRA MILER: A true volunteer, Bonnie Ryan

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February 11, 2009

By CAROL DAWSON The News and Tribune Wed Feb 11, 2009, 06:38 PM EST

How do you comply with the typical column length specifications of 750 words or less when introducing Southern Indiana to an 80-year-old dynamo?

Gail Stumler sent an e-mail describing Bonnie Ryan as an Extra Miler, along with a list of volunteer activities that flowed beyond two pages. She wrote, “Bonnie is an excellent candidate for the Extra Miler award because she is a shining example of how life should be after retirement.”

Upon first contact with Bonnie via telephone, she asked if I would mind calling her back in a minute. She was talking to her 22-year-old grandson, Ben Haws, who calls her every night to check on her well-being. Her 17-year-old granddaughter, Hayley Haws, calls her every day, too, as does Bonnie’s daughter, Jayne Ryan, and brother, Ron Jenkins.

Bonnie is not without sincere family love, and she wanted this column to include mention of the family she loves so dearly.

“My family is the light of my life,” she said. “Their devotion is a blessing and they inspire me to keep active and giving back to my community.”

Bonnie retired in 1989, after working for Bell South for 43 years.

“I started out as one of those old-time operators,” she said.

Bonnie progressed through the ranks within the company; however, her favorite job was always that of a telephone operator. She explained that “it was fun to help people communicate and connect.”

Bonnie’s husband, Joe, retired the next year. They spent several years enjoying retirement until Joe passed away in 2000. Bonnie found herself feeling a bit lost until she decided to “get up off the couch and start getting involved with the community.”

Bonnie now coordinates the volunteers at the Center for Lay Ministries in Jeffersonville and spends most of her volunteer hours with them. She coordinates volunteer schedules to ensure someone is available to work during operating hours (If someone can’t make a shift, she often works it herself.), picks up bread and groceries for the pantry shelves, helps stock the shelves, works the registration desk, completes and records applications for assistance, takes phone calls, and ensures everyone who may be hungry during the Christmas holidays will open their door to a basket of food.

Mark Porter, director for Center for Lay Ministries, was happy to describe Bonnie’s value to the organization.

“Bonnie’s loyalty to the center is the foundation for all she does,” he said. “She has a heart for helping people. She is tireless in her dedication.”

Gail noted that Bonnie also volunteers for the New Albany Police Department every week, assists The Salvation Army, Red Cross, Center for Women and Families, and her church, Eastside Christian Church.

“Bonnie exemplifies for me what life after working can be for everyone,” Gail said. “With her loving spirit, she sets a true example of how to have a fulfilling and meaningful life in retirement years.”

Bonnie’s volunteer work crosses through so many organizations that sometimes she forgets who she is helping and one day answered the NAPD telephone with, “Center for Lay Ministries.” She quickly corrected her error but laughs when telling how surprised the caller sounded.

Sgt. Todd Bailey directs the volunteers for the NAPD, and he was eager to express appreciation for Bonnie’s service.

“Bonnie is essential to our front desk ... she is dedicated, professional, friendly and eager to help,” he said. “Bonnie is a true asset to the NAPD, and we are extremely grateful for her service.”

I asked Bonnie how she gets through the difficult times in her life, and she quickly replied, “I trust in the Lord ... when things get rough, I simply start quoting the prayer, ‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’”

Bonnie sums up her volunteerism by stating, “I just love volunteering — helping others is my reward,” and adding, “when you help another person, they become part of your life ... they become a friend.”

It seems that we rarely find true value in our lives through personal ambition or the sense that giving back to the community is an obligation. Instead, the value comes from pure devotion to make a positive difference for those less fortunate than ourselves ... pure devotion like that of Bonnie Ryan.

So, how do you sum up the achievements of a woman like Bonnie Ryan in 750 words or less? You don’t even try. Bonnie, thank you for being a Southern Indiana Extra Miler.

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and owner of EEO GUIDANCE Inc. If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an Extra Miler, please contact her. To submit an Extra Miler, a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via email: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or mail: THE EXTRA MILERS, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130-3340.

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