Cynthia Collis "Cinda" Ryans

1933 - 2026

Cynthia "Cinda" Collis Ryans

June 23, 1933 - January 30, 2026

Lexington, Kentucky - Cynthia "Cinda" Collis Ryans, 92, passed away in her hometown of Lexington, Kentucky in the afternoon of Friday, January 30, 2026. Born on June 23, 1933, she was the beloved daughter of the late B. Coleman and Helene (Foster) Collis. Her life was a tapestry of dedicated service, intellectual accomplishment, and a boundless passion for exploration.

Cinda was a sister to her late siblings, Joan Collis Brown and Nancee Collis, as well as a cherished aunt to her late niece, Susan Brown Bays. Though her cherished husband, John K. Ryans, Jr., preceded her in death, their time together was filled with companionship and mutual love. She will be deeply missed by her nephews, Michael Coleman (Vicki) Brown, and Robert Miller Bays, alongside a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Cinda's pursuit of education was indicative of her insatiable thirst for knowledge. After graduating from University of Kentucky with a degree in advertising, she ventured further to obtain a Master's Degree in Library and Information Services from University of Maryland and another in Higher Educational Administration from Kent State University. Her academic foundation laid the groundwork for her extraordinary career in academia.

Professionalism and a deep-seated love for education defined Cinda's career. She worked in the Acquisitions Department at University of Maryland, as well as the Catalog Department at University of Memphis, and Indiana University. Her most enduring professional legacy remains her 27 years as a Professor and Head of the Catalog Department at Kent State University. Cinda's authored over 50 professional articles and seven influential books on library administration and small business management. Beyond her published works, she dedicated countless hours serving on numerous university committees.

After leaving Lexington in the late 1950s, Cinda lived in varied cultural landscapes, including Knoxville, Memphis, Bloomington, College Park, and Kent. Travel was Cinda's great joy. Her adventures spanned across Europe, Africa, Egypt, Turkey, Hungary, Russia, Estonia, Norway, Scandinavia, South America, and the United States.

In 2011, Cinda returned to her roots in Lexington, completing the beautiful cycle of life that began there nearly a century before. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

A private service will be observed by her family and friends. To share a remembrance of Cinda or to offer condolences to her family, please visit milwardfuneral.com to sign the tribute portion of her obituary page.