Sharon Ryan

Sharon Smith Ryan was taken home by angels on Sept.28th, 2012 after a glorious 82 years on this earth. A native Dallasite, “Sha” graduated from North Dallas High School, (Go BullDogs!), in 1947 where she has remained active in coordinating high school reunions thru her 65th reunion, which was scheduled on the day of her death. She graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1951. Sha reveled in college life, remaining an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and graduating Phi Beta Kappa among other accolades. Sha was an athlete with loves of water skiing, tennis and soccer. She was a fine and dedicated bridge player and an avid member of Book Club. She was always involved with a social group of great friends in whatever she was doing including her neighbors and neighborhood of the last 40 years. Sharon Ryan lived her life with great passion and an endless, selfless love of her family and friends. She loved to a fault, in that she never saw fault in others, especially her chicks. She was passionate, courageous, and strong – she was an incredibly gracious, loving and wise mother, friend and matriarch and she will be sorely missed by all. Sha is preceded in death by her husband Francis X. Ryan. She is survived by her three children, Sally Montoya, Danny Sullivan, (spouse Tammy), Steve Sullivan (spouse Susan); Step Children: Dan Ryan (spouse Donna); Beth Young (spouse Ritchie); Tim Ryan (spouse Dawn), Emily Heckroth (spouse Jim) and many beautiful grandchildren who all loved her. She is also survived by her brother, Russell Smith. Viewing is 3:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday at Sparkman/Hillcrest and services are at Sparkman at 10:00 a.m. Monday with interment to follow. In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Childrens Refuge at therefugetexas.com. For more information, please visit http://www.sparkman-hillcrest.com.