One year later, Wooster woman's disappearance still a mystery
By Angela Bases
June 5, 2011
375
Summary: Susan Ryan went missing one year ago on Sunday, June 5, and her disappearance remains a mystery to both her family and the Wooster Police Department. Her daughter, Helen Zimmel, has been devoted to locating her, and hosted an event for the anniversary of her disappearance, among many other efforts.
Its difficult to miss the flyers, posters, or the reports on the news, detailing yet another missing person tragedy. But most often, the community doesnt hear the cries of the family, nor do they feel the desperation of those left behind, forced to put together the pieces of a scattered puzzle. But learning of their efforts puts another face to the one posted on the grocery store bulletin board.
I just want my mom, said Helen Zimmel, in a tone colored with sadness, as she reflected on a horror-stricken year. Her mother, Susan Ryan of Wooster, went missing on Saturday, June 5, 2010, and Zimmel has exhausted nearly every avenue in an attempt to locate her.
The 59-year-old was last seen on the intersection of Saybolt Ave. and W. Liberty St. in Wooster.
We know she checked her voicemail at 6 a.m. and then left on foot, said Zimmel, who quit her job to focus on the search. Weve really gone through the whole five stages [of grief]. The complete disbelief, theres been anger, theres been worry. But really, we try to turn that into productivity. All we really want is to find some answers. When everything first happened, it was running on adrenaline.
Ryan is Caucasian with blonde hair, blue eyes and wears glasses. At the time of her disappearance, she weighed about 110 lbs. Ryan did not own a car, and at the time, was considered to be possibly depressed.
Their family is originally from Elyria, Ohio, and Ryan moved to Wooster to stay with a friend. She had lived their about four months prior to going missing. Zimmel said her mother got along with just about everyone, making the disappearance even more mysterious.
Ive been talking to her friends; no one had a fight with her, she explained. Weve been doing a huge internet initiative. Were part of numerous missing persons organizations right now that help get information [out] nationally.
Zimmel reported spending a lot of time over the past year making phone calls to hospitals and organizations. She also attended a conference, and has developed numerous Facebook pages.
She noted how devoted the Wooster Police Department has been throughout the process. Their response, as well as the communitys response, was rapid and supportive.
Theyve been truly amazing. We had so many people to volunteer to help, and have forwarded things, Zimmel added.
Initially, they suspected Ryan had been hurt, or someone had picked her up. None of the leads have been lucrative, however. She said they havent heard anything new in months, and since its been quiet, she wanted to remind the community that her mother is still missing.
So, on Sunday, June 5, Zimmel organized an event at Christmas Run Park to commemorate the anniversary, and to spark a renewed sense of energy into the cause. The event featured flyers, handouts, pens, bracelets and shirts for community members to pick up. Participants also released balloons.
Sending balloons up is one of the national symbols for hope, Zimmel continued. Christmas Run Park was her favorite place in Wooster.
Zimmel also said her mother was a homebody, and wasnt one to be out of communication with her for very long. Ryans disappearance has certainly left a void in her daughters lifeone she hopes to fill again.
It was always me and my mom against the world, Zimmel said. Weve left her cell phone active just in case. Theres always that hope that maybe one day youll get a phone call.
Anyone with information regarding Susan Ryans disappearance should contact the Wooster Police Department at 330-287-5700.
