Sharon Kay (Sullivan) Ryan

June 22, 1943- November 11, 2024

Sharon Kay Ryan passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, in Eugene, Oregon from the effects of dementia. She was the oldest of eight children, born to Frank and Margaret Sullivan in Cheyenne, 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 1987 after Tom’s death in June of 1986, but for the rest of her life she considered Coos Bay her “true home.” She would often say that her time in Coos Bay were happiest years of her life.

Sharon is survived by her children, Kelly Putnam (Rick) of Eugene; Susan Ryan of Sacramento, California; and Justin Ryan of Monument, Colorado; grandchildren, Ryan Dixon and Emily Dixon; Kayla Morales 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, Colorado; Shirley Banks of Buford, Georgia; Jamie Sullivan of Mesa, Arizona, sister-in-law, Jeanette Sullivan of Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughter-in-law, Christine Murphy Ryan of Seattle, Washington; daughter-in-law, Kara Ryan of Monument, Colorado; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sharon was preceded in death by her husband, William T. Ryan; son, Tom W. Ryan; parents, Frank and Margaret Sullivan; brother, Sam Sullivan; and great-grandson, Weston Lowery.

Sharon was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

Sharon will be interned with her husband, Tom in St. Petersburg, Florida in the spring.

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