Betsey Jane Ryan

Betsey Jane Ryan, 94, of Annapolis, MD passed away Feb 19 after complications from a fall on Thanksgiving. Bets was born in Newport, RI on April 18, 1931. She was the daughter of Elisabeth and Clarence Olsen (Class of 1921 USNA). She attended National Cathedral school and was a Tri Delt at Duke University. Bets married Philip J. Ryan (Class of 1950 USNA) on December 30, 1950. She has three children: Kathleen Ryan Sise, Stephen Patrick Ryan, and Theresa Lynn Daum (Chris). They had three grandchildren: Theresa Elisabeth Sise (Philip), Robert Joseph Sise (Rachel), and Betsy Sise Martin (Chip). She (Gigi) also had five great grandchildren - Sloane, Ryan, and Chloe (Sise), Everett and Shane (Martin.) She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip J. Ryan and her brother Chuck Olsen.

Bets was a diverse and talented artist. Her work included oil and water color painting, calligraphy, wood carving, creative stitchery, knitting, floral arrangements, origami, and jewelry making. She had a "Navy Crafts" business noted for her signature "Navy Goat" which she put on anything Navy Blue (earrings, necklaces, watches, ties,vases, glasses, shower curtains, mail boxes, etc). Many of her creations were worn by Navy fans across the country!

Bets was blessed with an incredible soprano voice which she contributed to choral groups and Sunday Mass choirs over the years. She was a devout Catholic who took pride in her faith and being a part of the Naval Academy chapel community. She was an active member of the Ginger Cove choral Group until three years ago.

Her husband, Phil, led the men of RVAH-7 Vigilante squadron, and she created a community for the wives. She gave them support and kindness while their husbands were deployed to Vietnam. They still stay in touch to this day as a close knit group inspired by the leadership of Bets and Phil.

Bets loved all things Hawaiian and convinced Phil that Hawaii was on the way to every new duty station. During her final months, her son, Steve, played the music of her favorite Hawaiian soprano, Emma Veary, for her. Bets surprised everyone by singing along to “The Hawaiian Wedding Song,” hitting every high note perfectly.

Her life at Ginger Cove began in Independent Living with Phil in 2011 and progressed to the Health Care Center in 2024. She was surrounded by the love of the staff who had cared for both Bets and Phil for over 10 years. Even the kitchen staff had her listed as "Bestey" on her menu, which we loved and refused to have corrected!

Following seventy years of marriage and a lifetime of devotion, Bets died on February 19th—the exact eighth anniversary of Phil's passing. Beyond all human explanation, Bets’s spirit has been released to join her soulmate... soaring with her eagle forever.

The family will receive friends at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home 147 Duke of Gloucester St Annapolis, MD 21401 on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm

Inurnment will take place at the United States Naval Academy Columbarium on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 11 am. Please enter the United States Naval Academy at Gate 8 (93 Bowyer Rd, Naval Academy, MD 21402) (Everyone over the age of 16 needs a valid, up to date photo ID for entry onto the Naval Academy Grounds)

The family will receive friends at the Ginger Cove Retirement Community (Friendship Hall) 4000 River Crescent Drive Annapolis, Maryland 21401 on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 1 to 2 pm. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name to Ginger Cove Employee Appreciation Fund 4000 River Crescent Drive Annapolis, MD 21401 will be appreciated.