Mary Kay Ryan

Mary Kay Ryan, 82, of Manhattan, Kansas, formerly of Quincy, passed away on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.

Born June 30, 1943 in Quincy, Illinois, Mary Kay was the daughter of Arthur B. and Lillian B. (Terwelp) Borghorst. She married Robert S. "Bob" Kelley on August 9, 1962 and to this union was born their daughter, Bobbette. Bob preceded her in death on February 12, 1969. She later married Charles J. Ryan on October 19, 1983. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1992.

She was a 1961 graduate of Quincy Notre Dame High School. Mary Kay worked for several years as an eye care technician in Quincy before working in patient accounts with St. Mary Hospital for many years. When St. Mary Hospital was purchased by Blessing Hospital, she continued her job with them until her retirement.

When she was younger, she and Bob enjoyed riding motorcycles and boating on the Mississippi River. She also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. When she became "Nanny" she loved watching and following the activities of her grandchildren and more recently her great grandchildren. She was an avid reader and loved caring for her two dogs, first Bogey and later Maggie, and would watch Bobbette's dogs, Sadie and Coco when she was needed. After moving to Manhattan, she loved going to her workout classes at Genesis Health Club where she met a wonderful group of ladies who became very good friends.

Mary Kay was a member of Madison Park Christian Church while living in Quincy and attended Crest View Church in Manhattan.

Survivors include her daughter, Bobbette Cookson (Kyle) of Manhattan, KS; her three grandchildren, Shannon Leeds (A. J.) of Alpharetta, GA, Shaun Cookson (Angie) of Austin, AR and Shay Strubinger (Evan) of Manhattan, KS; her four great grandchildren, Lillian Leeds, Lucas Leeds, Taya Strubinger and Ayla Strubinger. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Putnam of Hillsboro, IL; a brother Daniel Borghorst (Carol) of Quincy; a brother in law, Kent Kelley (Jenny) of Galesburg, IL; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; and a brother in law, Don Putnam.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon (December 23, 2025) at 2:00 at O'Donnell Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, Illinois. Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 until the time of services at the funeral home in Quincy.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Purple PAWS of Manhattan. Please make checks payable to Purple PAWS and those may be left at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.