Rita Louise Ryan

With deep love and sadness, the family of Rita Louise (Brown) Ryan announces her passing. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she was the cherished daughter of Gertrude and John Brown. She grew up in Boston and attended Mount St. Joseph Academy, later graduating from Northeastern College in Boston, where she studied accounting.

She carried that strong work ethic throughout her life. She worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield until her retirement, after which she began working with the City of Abilene’s Metropolitan Planning Department. Though she was dedicated to her career, the center of her world was always her family.

She was happiest surrounded by those she loved. A proud and devoted grandmother, she treasured every moment with her grandchildren and was always ready for “Grandma duty.” She loved quiet evenings at home with her husband, watching the birds from their patio and enjoying the simple comforts of life together.

She had a spirited side as well. She loved classic rock and roll, feeling the wind in her hair while riding on Bob’s motorcycle or cruising with the top down in the Corvette. Traveling brought her great joy, but her favorite place in the world was the beach, especially when she could share it with her family.

Though she made her life far from Massachusetts, her Boston roots never left her. She remained a devoted fan of Boston sports, cheering on the Patriots, the Bruins, and the Red Sox whenever she could.

She is survived by her loving husband, Robert F. Ryan Jr.; her daughter Erin Ryan and husband Joe Del Rio; her sons Robert F. Ryan III and wife Mandy Ryan, and Steven Ryan. She was a proud grandmother to Dylan Isenhower and his girlfriend Hailey Luckie, Benjamin Del Rio, Robin Del Rio, Rachel Del Rio, and Chloe Del Rio.

She is also survived by her siblings Kathleen Jakubajtys, Jack Brown and Veronica “Roni” Brown, and Tom Brown and Maureen Brown; sisters-in-law Diane Ryan Franklin and Doreen Harriman and husband Jim, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and John Brown, and her brother, Bobby Brown.

Her love for family, her warmth, and the joy she brought into everyday moments will be remembered always by those who knew and loved her.

A visitation will be held on March 16, 2026 from 5:00PM - 7:00PM at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US HWY 277 S, Abilene, Tx 79606. A funeral Service will take place for Rita on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US HWY 277 S, Abilene, Tx 79606 at 10:00AM. Following the Funeral service a Committal Service will be held at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Abilene, 7457 W Lake Rd, Abilene, TX 79601.