Mary Kathleen Ryan

Mary Kathleen "Aunt Mary" Ryan, 84, of Thermopolis, Wyo., passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on April 9, 1941, in Douglas, Wyo., Mary was the daughter of Maude Smith Ryan and John V. Ryan. She attended Carroll College in Helena, Mont., 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 family and friends.

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 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 remember her with love.

A Rosary was held on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Thermopolis. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at on Monday, Nov. 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."