Mary Kathleen Ryan

Mary Kathleen “Aunt Mary” Ryan, 84, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on
November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 9, 1941, in Douglas, Wyoming, Mary was the daughter of Maude Smith Ryan and
John V. Ryan. She attended Carroll College in Helena, Montana, before beginning a long and
rewarding career as a reservationist with Northwest Airlines. Her career took her to cities across
the country—including Detroit, Missoula, Anchorage, and Seattle—and allowed her to see much
of the world. Among her many travels, she especially cherished trips to Ireland and New
Zealand shared with friends and family.
Following her retirement, Mary made her home in Thermopolis, where she embraced the simple
joys of small-town life. A devoted member of St. Francis Catholic Church, she attended daily
Mass for most of her life. Mary also volunteered with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Seattle
and with Meals on Wheels in Thermopolis, quietly serving others with kindness and humility.
Mary was known for her love of cats, her hours spent toiling in the garden, and her ever-present
camera—always ready to capture a moment worth remembering. She was famous among
family and friends for her homemade cookies, baked for every occasion. Her gentle wisdom and
good humor were often summed up in her favorite saying: “Inch by inch, life’s a cinch. By the
mile, it’s a trial—so take it an inch at a time.”
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Maude and John V. Ryan, and siblings, John Ryan,
Margaret Ryan, James Ryan, Thomas E. Ryan, Mike Ryan, and Patty Ryan Mohr. She is
survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom will
remember her with love.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church
in Thermopolis. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday,
November 10, 2025, also at St. Francis Catholic Church, with Father Robert Rodgers officiating.
Mary’s family offers their heartfelt thanks to all who supported her with friendship and prayer. As
she often said, “See ya when I see ya.”

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