Sally Ryan

1950 - 2026

Sally Durnil Ryan, 75, a beloved mother, nana, and friend, passed away at home on January 30, 2026, in Sarasota, Florida. Known affectionately to her grandchildren as "Nana Sunshine," Sally lived a life defined by love, loyalty, and unwavering devotion.

Sally's passions were many: dogs (hers, others', and any she happened to meet), gardening, reading, history, a good bargain, the beauty of both sunrise and sunset, and reminiscing about treasured memories. Above all, she cherished time with family and friends. She loved deeply, felt big feelings, and never hesitated to speak her mind. Sally loved to travel and had recently returned from a 75th birthday celebration, a family Christmas trip, and a European cruise with friends.

Born on November 23, 1950, to William and Nancy Durnil in Muskogee, Oklahoma, Sally attended Lausanne School in Memphis, Tennessee, and graduated from Central High School in Muskogee in 1970. She later attended the University of Oklahoma (Boomer!), where she met the love of her life, Charles B. Ryan, and they were married in Muskogee on July 28, 1972.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Nancy Durnil; her brother, Mac Durnil; and her husband, Charlie.

Sally is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Mills, and her children, Merritt, Sawyer, Hutton, and Lawson of Dallas; her son Hayden Ryan, his wife, Autumn, and their children, Charlie and Beau of Tulsa, Oklahoma; her son Fletcher Ryan, his wife, Cassie, and their daughter, Farryn of Boulder, Colorado; her niece Lari Durnil Moazami, her husband, Masoud, and their children, Ana and Mia; and her niece Courtney Durnil Bollich and her children, Quincy, Zachary, Willa, and Xavier. She will also be deeply missed by extended family and lifelong friends she considered family.

All who were lucky enough to bask in Sally's sunshine will miss her more than words can express. She will be remembered through acts of kindness, well-tended gardens, and heartfelt stories shared in her honor.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church of Tulsa.

In lieu of flowers, plant something in her honor, soak in the sunshine, reach out to a dear friend, and give your loved ones a true "Sally hug." Donations in Sally's memory may be made to the Autism Society of America at https://autismsociety.org/.