Barbara Jean Ryan

She was preceded in death by her parents and by her special friend, Betty J. Dryden. She is survived by life partner, Brenda Wilkinson of the home; pets Nikki and Lindi; brother Gerald Edward “Jerry” Ryan & wife, Kathy, of Kansas City; sister, Beverly Ryan Niebruegge of Tulsa; nieces and nephews Teresa Niebruegge Newman, Mark Niebruegge, Todd Niebruegge, Patrick Ryan, Kelli Ryan Jordan; “adopted” nephew, Paul Lober; “adopted” brother, Don Dryden & wife, Sylvia; and a host of friends and professional colleagues.

Barbara grew up in Snyder, Oklahoma and graduated from Snyder High School in 1952. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma College for Women in 1956; a Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado in 1959 and a Doctoral Degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1964. She had a 28 year career at Central State College (now the University of Central Oklahoma). At Central, she served as Professor of Health and Physical Education; Director of Institutional Research; and Associate Vice President of Administration. Following her retirement from Central, Barbara became a real estate broker and was co-owner of the Wilkinson-Ryan Real Estate Company in Oklahoma City.

Barbara (“Bobbie” to her many friends) would want to be remembered as a distinguished educator who loved her home, life partner, dogs, and her BMW. May she rest in peace.

Visitation will be at Memorial Park Funeral Home on Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 23 at 11:00 a.m. at the Memorial Park Historic Cemetery Chapel, 13400 N. Kelley, OKC. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the University of Central Oklahoma Student Scholarship Fund.