Margaret "Sue" Henderson Ryan

Margaret Joan (Sue) Ryan passed away November 16, 2015. She is remembered by her family for her over 90 years of thoughtfulness, generosity, and love. Sue leaves behind a large family and many friends who loved her sweet and friendly nature and who will miss her very much. She was preceded in death by her husband, John L. Ryan. She is survived by her children: son and daughter-in-law, Don, Jr. and Bobbie Henderson, Tulsa, OK; daughters and sons-in-law, Cheri and Bob Pendergrass, Jasper, Georgia, and Nanci and Jerry Puckett, Tulsa, OK; stepson and daughter-in-law, Bob and Judith Ryan, Dallas, TX; stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Mary Pat Frick and Siegi, Iceland, and Kathy and Geoff Huber, Dallas, TX; 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Services will be held at Calvary Cemetery Chapel (91st Street & Harvard) 2:30 Friday, November 20th. Sue was born and raised on a farm in Iola Kansas. She graduated Iola High School where she played drums in the marching band and was voted as the girl with the prettiest smile in the school. She attended junior college studying accounting and business. During World War II, she traveled across the United States to be with her husband, Don, before he deployed to the European theater. After the war, as a result of her husband's job, they lived in over 12 different places across the US, eventually coming to Tulsa where she raised her family. In 1970 she married John L Ryan, and they were happily married for 35 years. They loved to travel the U.S. and internationally, living in Liberia for four months in an area so remote they had to fly into the jungle on a single engine plane landing on a dirt airstrip. Her marriage to John allowed her to gain three additional loving children, many grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She loved and adored all of her family, attending as many school functions and sports activities as possible. Sue never met a stranger – because of her warm smile and gentle ways they quickly became her friend. She had a generous spirit and a compassionate heart. Sue volunteered for American Red Cross working disasters, political campaigns, volunteered with the Help Line, active in her Garden Club, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Most of all she enjoyed her family. She and John loved dancing, listening to music, watching and attending performances and going to the movies and dining out. Sue was very particular about her appearance and lovingly shared her opinion with her family on particular details. Cleanliness was so important that she was affectionately referred to as “Sanitary Sue." She had a gift of whistling that was so beautiful and delightful it brightened anyone’s mood. She often whistled and hummed around the house and many times when cooking dinner for her family. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.

Margaret "Sue" Henderson Ryan

November 25, 1924 - November 16, 2015