Barbara Ryan

Barbara Kay Ryan passed away on May 12, 2017, the result of a fall in her home. Her passing was quick and painless. She is survived by her children, Michael and Amy Ryan, her son-in-law Richard, and three granddaughters Lorelei, Bethany and Eloise. Barbara also left behind a great many friends. Barbara was born in Burlington Iowa on December 20, 1938, the oldest of four children. As a child, she helped to raise her younger siblings while proving an exemplary student. She graduated from high school with honors and was offered a job as a kindergarten teacher where she oversaw a classroom of sixty children. After a few years teaching, she entered the convent and continued her education there, attaining a bachelor's in English Literature. She remained in the convent for nine years, but decided against taking final vows because she wanted to have children. She got her driver's license, and the very next day, drove to Casper WY to begin life as a layperson teaching at a Catholic school. She was a brilliant teacher. In Casper she met Donovan Ryan, a dashing mountaineer, the two were married and they began their life together in Jackson Wyoming. Barbara was a devoted mother to her two children, and worked as the custodian for Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Jackson. When Amy and Michael were grown, her marriage had ended, and Barbara longed for a new chapter in life. She moved to Saratoga WY where she became a very active member in the vibrant church community there. She also volunteered at the men's prison in Rawlins, and was beloved by the inmates who greatly appreciated her ministry to them. Barbara had a tireless faith in God, and often spoke of how her belief gave her strength to persevere through the many challenges she faced in life. She will be remembered as a person who was kind to animals, loving to her friends and family, and humble in her faith to God. She will be greatly missed.

Service

Sunday, May 21, 2017 3:00pm

St. Ann's Catholic Church

218 W. Spring Ave.

SARATOGA, WY

Memorial Mass