Patricia Mae Ryan

On April 12,1925, in Ames, Iowa, Mabel and Ralph McMahon welcomed their first-born child into the world. Patricia Mae was a beautiful, black-haired, blue-eyed girl.

She was a spirited girl who enjoyed life, sports, music, and school.

Patty went to Kelley High School where she graduated salutatorian. She also lettered in basketball and softball. Her greatest love, however, was music. She played the piano for all of the high school events, as well as church, weddings, etc. Not only was she an accomplished pianist, she won awards for her vocal achievements.

It was her Irish spirit and “Bette Davis eyes” that drove all of the boys wild. A certain handsome Norwegian, LaVerne (Bernie) Ryan, was determined to win her heart. LaVerne was two years her senior and had enlisted in the Army during World War II. They fell in love and set a wedding date. As war would have it, however, LaVerne was given orders to report to duty at the end of December 1944. On December 26,1944, during a blizzard, and Patty dressed in a borrowed wedding gown, the marriage vows were exchanged. Two days later, Laverne went to war.

Patty worked as a secretary until the end of the War. When LaVerne came home they moved to Storm Lake, Iowa. They tried to start a family. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as easy as they had anticipated! Several years later, and after Patty’s mother had a “surprise” baby, Phyllis, Rebecca Sue Ryan was born.

Patty and LaVerne moved to Nevada, Iowa. LaVerne drove for Greyhound Bus and Patty was personnel director for Donnelley Marketing. They stayed there until retiring and moving to Tucson, Arizona.

On April 11, 2023, the day before her 98th birthday, Patty left this world to join her beloved husband.

Patricia is survived by her only daughter, Rebecca Ryan Hauser (Philip Prothe) of Greeley, her two granddaughters Heidi Hauser of Windsor, Colorado, and Dana Ryan Hauser Chalfant (Matthew Chalfant) of Greeley, Colorado. She leaves her three adoring great grandchildren Avery Bucci (19), Harrison (5) and Gwendalyn (3) Chalfant. Patty is also survived by her sister Phyllis Bender of E Wenatchee, Washington and her daughter Keri Breckenridge (Caleb). She has several other nieces and nephews in Iowa, Idaho, and Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert McMahon. Patty was loved by everyone who knew her. She could engage anyone in conversation and make them feel valued and needed. She was truly a gem.

Note: When I was a little girl, I once commented on a person who looked and acted a lot differently than I was used to seeing. I remember my mom saying, “Be kind, Becky, there but for the grace of God go I.” I’ve always remembered that. Love you my dear mother.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, April 22 at 10:00AM at Greeley Place, 1051 6th St. Greeley, CO 80634.