Sharon Ryan

Sharon Kay Ryan passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon from the effects of dementia. She was the oldest of 8 children, born to Frank and Margaret Sullivan in Cheyanne, Wyoming on June 22, 1943. After graduating from Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska Sharon moved to California, where she met Tom Ryan. They were married in Las Vegas on December 14, 1963. Sharon, Tom and their four children made their home in La Palma, California. In 1974, the Ryan family moved to Coos Bay, Oregon, where they made many wonderful friends. Sharon joined Little Theater on the Bay and acted in several productions, including playing the lead role in The Unsinkable Molly Brown, for which she won the best leading actress award. Sharon left Coos Bay in 1986 after Tom’s death, but for the rest of her life considered it her “true home” where she spent the happiest years of her life. 

Sharon is survived by her children, Kelly Putnam (Rick) of Eugene, Susan Ryan of Sacramento, CA, and Justin Ryan of Monument, CO; grandchildren Ryan and Emily Dixon, Kayla and Marley Morales, Emma Ryan, and Tommy Ryan; great-grandson Hudson Lowery; siblings Peggy Tilton, Patty Pignotti, Tom Sullivan, and Jackie Shevock of Colorado Springs, CO, Shirley Banks of Buford, GA, Jamie Sullivan of Mesa, AZ, sister-in-law Jeanette Sullivan of Colorado Springs, CO, daughter-in-law Christine Murphy Ryan of Seattle, WA, daughter-in-law Kara Ryan of Monument, CO and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ryan, son Tom Ryan, parents Frank and Margaret Sullivan, brother Sam Sullivan and great-grandson Weston Lowery. Sharon was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.