Kathleen Ryan

Kathleen Rose Ashby Ryan (91) of Syracuse, UT passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026 surrounded by family. Kathy was born July 21, 1934, in Norfolk, Nebraska to Clyde Ervin Ashby and Lena McAulay, She married Darrell Edward Ryan on January 31, 1950, in Fort Riley, Kansas and soon after added five adventurous boys to their home. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on April 23, 1962. Darrell and Kathy moved to Utah and made their home for a time in Murray Utah. They later moved to Sunset, Utah where they raised their boys and contributed much to the community. They then settled in Syracuse where they would complete their lives.

Kathy was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She served faithfully in the Primary, Young Women and Relief Society organizations. She loved her service in the primary and was the primary choristers for many years. She served faithfully in several presidencies and was often involved in Road Shows where she contributed to the productions with her dramatic flair.

Kathy and her sweetheart enjoyed many hours on the dance floor square dancing. One of her greatest joys and accomplishments was competing and winning many square-dancing competitions. She was a member of the Sunset Harmonettes for many years where she enjoyed sharing music with the community and the fun relationships nurtured with other choir members.

Kathy received her bachelor's degree in English graduating Magna Cum Laud from Weber State University. She received her master's degree in education from the University of Phoenix. She started her teaching career at Layton Junior High teaching English and drama. She moved to Northridge High School the year that it opened where, in addition to teaching, she had the opportunity to work as a Student Body Advisor. She loved working with student government and spent many hours with those students teaching and developing great leaders. As the drama teacher she helped direct many plays and musicals and was able to share her love for the stage with students and theater patrons alike. In the classroom she shared her love of Shakespeare and Robert Frost and would always excitedly tell her friends and family that these were her favorite topics. She passed her love of the stage to her family, and many have been involved in stage and music for many years. She finished her career at Syracuse Junior High. She always loved teaching and the relationships that were developed with students and her fellow teachers. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for that state of Utah, an award which was well deserved. She continues to be loved by many of her co-workers and students.

Kathy loved watching sports and spent many hours at baseball fields, football fields, and basketball courts cheering on her sons and grandchildren. She was not afraid to call out any injustice observed or missed call and was always one of the most vivacious fans. She loved watching the Utah Jazz and BYU football and was a true fan. If there was a game to be viewed, she would watch and cheer on her beloved sports teams on.

Of all of the things Kathy loved, she loved her family the most. She is survived by her children Terry (Deanna) of Hemet, California, Rick (Cindy) of Helena, Montana, Tim (London) of Roy, Kelly (Caryn) of Clinton, Tracy (Treesa) of Syracuse, 18 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother Ervin, sister Jenny, Husband, Daughter-in-law Debbie, and grandson Kayden. Kathy is very loved by many and will be greatly missed, but we take comfort that she is with her sweetheart and loved ones again.

The family would like to thank all those who loved and cared for her while she was living at Chancellor Gardens as well as the nurses and staff at Applegate hospice.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 AM at Myers Mortuary, 5865 S 1900 W Roy, Utah

Graveside service will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Syracuse Cemetery where Kathy will be laid to rest next to her sweetheart at 1:00 pm.

Services under the direction of Myers Mortuary, Roy, Utah