Ann Ryan was born July 24, 1941 in Webb City Missouri to Madeline and Earnest Dean; she passed away peacefully, July 14, 2019 in Ridgecrest, CA 10 days shy of her 78th birthday.
Ann graduated from Carl Junction High, Carl Junction, MO in 1960.
Ann met the love of her life, Colin Daniel Ryan, a Navy service man in Portland Oregon where they married in September 1961.
Ann started her career at the Naval Weapons Center as a Disbursing Officer where she made life-long friendships. She loved her work, and eventually moved to the Housing Office, helping many Navy families find the perfect home while stationed at NWC.
Ann Ryan was best known as the Toys For Tots coordinator in the Indian Wells Valley where she served enthusiastically for over 20 years.
That deep passion for children, was reflected in her devotion to her own grandchildren. Any day with grandchildren and tinker toy building was a great day.
Ann was a beloved Sorority Sister since 1975 active with Beta Sigma Phi for more than three decades; she was President of Sorority City Council 4 times.
Also, an early member of the Ridgecrest Star Follies for whom she looked forward every year to volunteering her talents.
A 45 year supporter of the Elks Bpo Ridgecrest Lodge 1913 she and Dan celebrated their 50th anniversary with more than 100 friends and family in 2011.
She was a thoughtful, compassionate and caring woman, who always saw the best in everyone; she never met a stranger she didn’t like.
Ann’s kind positive spirit was such an inspiration to all who knew her and will truly be missed.
Ann is survived by her husband Dan Ryan of Ridgecrest, her son Richard Ryan, and his wife Diane Burko of Philadelphia, PA, her daughters Julie Sorensen and husband Michael Sorensen, Cathy Braem and husband Mike Braem, of Ridgecrest, CA, sister Joyce Gieszler and brother Jimmy Dean of WA, seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
We wish to thank the staff of High Desert Haven and the TCRU at Ridgecrest Hospital for the love and compassion shown to our mother during the months they cared for her.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 17 at 10:00 AM, Holland & Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA with reception to follow at a location to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org, in memory of Ann Ryan.
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