Joan Ryff, 72, longtime bowler

Johanna “Joan” Ryff of Ridgefield, who had been an active bowler for many years, died on Sunday, June 26, 2005, at Danbury Hospital. She was 72 years old and the wife of Albert Ryff.

Mrs. Ryff was born in Jersey City, N.J., daughter of Walter and Mildred Hillman Ryff. She attended New Jersey schools.

While she had lived in a number of places including Warren Township, N.J., Hyde Park, N.Y., Playa Del Ray, Calif., Weston, and Barrington, Ill., she came to Ridgefield in 1976 and “considered it to be her real home.”

Mrs. Ryff was a dedicated bowler for many years. Her interest in bowling began when she worked at Mack Truck Company in Plainfield, N.J., and continued in various locations where she lived, including 24 years on teams in the Ridgefield area.

Mrs. Ryff was an accomplished knitter and did many cross-stitch works as well.

She was a member of the local AARP Chapter.

Besides her husband of 51 years, Mrs. Ryff is survived by a brother-in-law, John Ryff, and his wife Margaret; a sister-in-law, Kathleen Noto-Ryff, as well as several cousins.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday at 11:30 in the Kane Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Healing Hearts Program, Regional Hospice of Western Connecticut, 405 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810.