Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Kathleen Ryan Obituary
RYAN,
Kathleen M.
Kathleen M. Ryan: born December 3, 1948 in Anaconda, MT to Leonard E. Verlanic and Josephine V. Verlanic (Staudohaur). She passed away February 9, 2011 in Spokane. She was the fifth of seven children. She graduated from Anaconda Catholic Central High School, Montana State University and holds an MBA from City University. Kathy worked for 30 years as a teacher, beginning in 1971, retiring in June, 2001 from the Community Colleges of Spokane. She considered teaching her greatest joy next only to her husband, daughter and grandson. She is still missed and fondly remembered by many of her former students. She was an avid lover of animals and supported many causes. It was not uncommon to find Kathy with one of her dogs sitting on her lap. She leaves behind a loving husband and faithful caregiver of 25 years, Michael Renner; her daughter Alyson Ryan; grandson Parker Ryan; sisters: Judy McGeever (Jim) of Spokane; Carol Choquette of Butte, MT; brothers, Ed Verlanic and Tom Verlanic (Jennifer) of Missoula, MT; Rick Verlanic (Rosario) of Pacifica, CA; Peter Arnot (Lisa) of Bozeman, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, mother and infant brother Robert Verlanic. Visitation will be Friday, February 11, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm at the funeral home. A Vigil Service will be held Friday, February 11, at 7:00 pm at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 219 E. Rockwood Blvd. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 12 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Please visit Kathy's online tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements by:
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen Ryan
4 Entries
Family Reunion 1989
Cheryl Johnson
February 16, 2011
My deep condolences for the loss of my cousin Kathy. Since I was unable to travel to Spokane for her Memorial, I wish to say a few things here now.
Kathy was a very special people that stood out above others. She had such boundless energy; I was always amazed wondering where it came from. She was so full of life, so cheerful and so talkative all the time. She was able to befriend anyone instantly.
Most of my memories of my cousin Kathy are from my youth. She only lived 4 blocks away and from age 4 thru 7 years old, I loved going to visit Aunt Josephine, because Kathy would take me into her playhouse in the basement. She had a huge room all to herself to play in that was filled with gorgeous dolls and the most amazing things. It was like Alice in Wonderland to me.
Kathy was 4 years older than me, so she was called on to baby-sit my sister and I, at times. She was always our favorite babysitter because she was so much fun and even used to scare us with ghost stories.
Kathy had a vivacious, happy, loving childhood. I remember her life had so much promise. When she got married to Denny, the wedding was amazing and the reception was the best I ever saw. When they went to Morocco on their honeymoon, they stayed with Jim Herbolich, who was living there as a Peace Corps worker in Fez. I was in Spain at the time and decided to go visit them. Kathy was 25 years old and I was 21. We had a great time together in Fez, touring the Roman Ruins, and going thru the bazaar buying food to make Tajine. Kathy was always so much fun.
But, on our return to the states, both Kathy and I began to experience health problems and trouble with our legs from something we contracted in Africa that we had no immunity to. The gradual decline of our health so young in our 20’s was a serious life-changing event for us both. We both continued to struggle with our health from that time forward. I had endless tests trying to find the cause of this mysterious aliment. Kathy stayed in Montana and Eastern Washington, relying on Mainstream Doctors for her care. I moved to Seattle, and spent 15 years seeking help from Mainstream Medical Doctors. Finally when I was bankrupted and got nowhere, I began to see Naturopaths and Alternative practitioners. Seattle is considered to be the foremost city in the U.S. for Alternative Health Care. After that, my health began to turn around, but Kathy’s health began to worsen.
Kathy and I have undergone much of the same suffering, so her passing affects me deeply and personally. That Kathy should be taken away so young is very sad. But I will always remember her as a special person who was full of life and enthusiasm.
Looking back at her accomplishments, her Education, her teaching career, her beautiful daughter; I am amazed she was able to do so much while having to try twice as hard as a normal healthy person to do it. And that speaks to her boundless energy and determination. She has left behind her legacy and the Staudohar family tree continues to prosper through her. She will be missed.
Email: [email protected]
DeAnna Herrera-Clause
February 11, 2011
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mrs. Ryan. When I had attended Phillips Jr. College, she was the Dean of Students. What a fantastic lady. We got to know each other and she really pointed my career in the right direction. She got alittle frustrated with my typing skills ...LOL...but she worked with me to excell in the one thing I lacked the most in. I had a son during the time I attended Phillips and she fell in love with him....she even offered to babysit! All I have to say is she was fun, caring, very professional and was my friend. God Bless you Kathy and your family----DeAnna
February 10, 2011
My Dear Aunt Kathy, She is the most amazing woman that i have ever known. So many wonderful memories. You will be missed dearly. Thank you to Uncle Mike whom took care of her for all these years. There are no words that can express my gratitude to you. You are an amazing Husband and Uncle. I love you all and send my love, Jodi
February 10, 2011
Dear family and friends of Kathy; I am so sorry forr your loss. Kathy was an inspiration to all she met. I am a cousin from Anaconda. God Bless. Beverly Villa
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Kathleen Ryan's name
Memorial Events
for Kathleen Ryan
How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Kathleen Ryan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
