Joan B. Ryan

Joan Blanche (Dickey) Ryan went into the loving arms of her Savior on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the age of 79 years old. Joan was a lifelong Christian who loved her family, studying the Bible, decorating her home, having family gatherings, and playing cards and games. Her warm heart, fun-loving spirit, and all-around sparkly personality will be greatly missed.

Joan was born in Youngstown, OH on March 10, 1943 to Charles and Helen Dickey. She came to know the Lord at the age of 12 in the First Baptist Church in McDonald, OH and would share what an exhilarating moment it was when Jesus came into her heart. She went on to Youngstown University and received her Bachelor's degree in Education in 1964. She immediately struck out for California and got an apartment on the beach with several other teachers. While there she taught elementary school, took a girls' trip vacation to Hawaii, and bought lots of shoes. When the love of her life, Edward Ryan, returned from the Army, he sped out to Long Beach, CA and they were married on June 24, 1966.

Ed's job took them to many exciting places and Joan taught children in California, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. She acquired a master's degree in Counseling from the University of Louisville and used her many talents to encourage and inspire many young minds from kindergarten all the way up to the sixth grade. She retired from JCPS after 14 years of service to care for her aging father. Joan taught not only in elementary school but also Sunday School for many years.

Ed and Joan were married for 56 beautiful years and loved traveling and spending time with family. Their son Charlie married Brandi (Flynn) and they enjoyed having cookouts with Joan and Ed that always included lots of laughter and good food. Daughter Kelly married Jason Karlen and they are proud parents to Joan's only grandson Daniel. Joan and Ed were so proud of their grandson and loved to watch him play soccer and play his saxophone in school programs.

Joan will be fiercely missed by all she left behind. We know she is busy decorating that mansion up there and connecting with students and family that went on ahead.

A service honoring Joan will take place at Shawnee Baptist Church (2214 Bank Street) on Saturday, August 6th starting with visitation at 9am followed by the funeral at 10am. A graveside service at Louisville Memorial Gardens (11601 Ballardsville Rd) will immediately follow.

Memorials in Joan's honor may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011


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