Linda Ryan

Linda Jean Ryan, 81, of Ralph, AL, passed away peacefully at her home on November 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park, with Rev. David Watson and Rev. James Crawford officiating. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Jewell Smalley, and her brothers Clyde Ray Smalley and John Smalley. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James Ryan, daughters Tammy Ryan, Karen Ryan (Bobby Jacobs), Crissy Ryan Turner (Tim) all of Ralph, AL, brother Jerry Smalley (Betty) of Tuscaloosa, AL, special family Greg and Ollie Kent of Tuscaloosa, three sisters-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews, and her faithful companion Buddy, who happily greeted her visitors and led them to the door. Linda was a lifelong member, from the age of nine, of Mt. Paran Baptist Church. She was a sweet and loving wife and mother, leading with her devout Christian faith. She dedicated her life to raising her family, caring for her parents, and working for her church. When she was still able, she loved caring for her plants and flowers, and sitting on her porch watching birds, with Cardinals being her favorite. The family wishes to thank her medical providers and caregivers, Dr. Anand Pandey, Dr. Jeanne Lipscomb, Dr. Dirk Berry, Dr. Kimberly Hillman, CenterWell Home Health (Laura), EnHabit Hospice (Kimberly and Hannah), staff of DCH 2nd floor April, Britney, and Haley. Serving as Active Pallbearers will be Tim Turner, Bobby Jacobs, Mike Smith, Sam Gulsby and Chris Buehler. The family wishes to recognize her loving church family, friends and neighbors of the Ralph community and former neighbors and friends of the community where she grew up, McWright's Ferry Road, the Turner family, the Jacobs family, employees of Eagles' Wings, Deborah Jordan and Lab employees of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, and officers of AFGE Local 131 as Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda's honor may be made to Mt. Paran Baptist Church or the Gideon's International.