In April 1973, Ryan suffered a stroke during a performance of the musical Pippin on Broadway. Earlier in the year, her friend and fellow Beverly Hillbillies cast member, Nancy Kulp, had tried to persuade her not to go to New York for the musical. She had been diagnosed with a brain tumor some time previously, but reportedly was never made aware of it. Several days after she fell ill, Irene Ryan died on April 26, 1973. She was 70. Pallbearers at Ryan's California funeral included Hillbillies co-stars Buddy Ebsen and Max Baer, Jr., along with Beverly Hillbillies creator Paul Henning. The funeral was also attended by Donna Douglas, Harriet E. McGibbon, Louie Nye, and others associated with the series. Her body was interred in a mausoleum crypt at the Woodlawn Memorial Cemetery in Santa Monica, California, beside her sister, Anna Thompson.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irene_Ryan#The_Beverly_Hillbillies_.281962.E2.80.931971.29

:rip: She was letter perfect as Granny - I loved the episode where she broke down the door to Mr. Drysdale's office. :rofl:

It is hard to believe that she passed away 37 years ago. Thank goodness for film so we never forget how great Reenie really was. :p

I always thought Irene Ryan as Granny was the best thing about The Beverly Hillbillies. Rest in peace Reenie.

So sad reading this she was the perfect Granny.

So sad reading this she was the perfect Granny.
Irene Ryan was the perfect Granny! Thank goodness this show came along or we never would have heard of her. So sad to think that died so soon after the show went off the air.