Sharon Lee Stokes

Sharon Lee Stokes passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 79 after a long illness with laryngeal cancer. Born on August 18, 1945, in Seattle, Washington, Sharon was the daughter of Vollie Lee and Eileen Dorothy John Stokes and the oldest of three children.

Sharon attended High School in Littlefield, Texas, where she was an honors student, leader of the cheer squad, and was elected Homecoming Queen in her senior year. Upon graduation in 1963, she enrolled at the University of Texas. After one semester she transferred to The University of Kansas to follow her parent’s move from Texas to Marysville, Kansas. She was initiated as a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and became a proud Jayhawk, earning her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1967 majoring in Speech Correction and a Master of Arts in 1968 majoring in Speech Pathology. While at KU, she met and married another proud Jayhawk, Ronald Ryan in August 1968 at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Marysville. During her time living in Kansas, she became a lifelong fan of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sharon began her professional career as a Speech Therapist in the Westmoreland County School system after the couple moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where Ron began his professional career in the nuclear industry. On New Year’s Day in 1974, Sharon and Ron welcomed their firstborn son, Gregory James.

In 1975, for a new career opportunity, the young Ryan family moved to Denver, Colorado, and on October 25, 1975, welcomed baby girl Kelly Kathryn to the family. Then, on January 4, 1980, the family grew again with the birth of baby girl Sara Allison. Sharon loved their home close to the Rocky Mountains and became an outdoor enthusiast enjoying many family camping and skiing trips.

A new career opportunity in 1981 brought the family to Las Vegas, Nevada where they experienced the lifestyle, changing culture, and growth of the future entertainment capital of the world. Sharon focused on being a homemaker and an involved parent in school and social activities for the children. She was an excellent cook and loved to cook for her family.

A job reassignment in 1985 required a temporary family relocation to the Chicago, Illinois area. While there on October 27, 1987, they welcomed Marc Quentin, the final addition to their family.

The family returned to their Las Vegas home in 1989 where she resided for the rest of her life. As the children grew, Sharon began working in the travel industry for several companies based out of the Las Vegas McCarran airport. After retirement, Sharon developed an interest in hobbies including macramé and stained-glass art. She also greatly enjoyed bowling in a weekly league for many years. She was an avid reader and became skilled at her morning computer games. Sharon will always remain so very loved and cherished by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Sharon is preceded in death by her parents, Vollie and Eileen Stokes, and her sister Afena Walker. She is survived by Son Gregory Ryan (and wife Lori) of Bixby, Oklahoma, Daughter Kelly Lookingbill (and Partner Matt) of Frederick, Maryland, Daughter Sara Stutzky (and Husband Gabriel) of Henderson, Nevada, Son Marc Ryan (and Partner Emily) of San Francisco, California, Sister Jackie Fultz (and Husband George) of North Port, Florida, and seven Grandchildren and one Great Grandchild.

A memorial service for Sharon will be held Wednesday, May 28 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Palm Mortuary – Eastern, 7600 S. Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.