IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Donna Rae
Ryan
May 6, 1937 – February 18, 2022
Obituary
Donna Rae Ryan, 84, of Grand Island, NE, passed away Friday, February 18, 2022 in Lincoln, NE. Donna's wish was to be cremated. No service is planned at this time. Private family inurnment will be in St. Ann's Cemetery in Lexington, NE. Your thoughts and prayers may be given at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under Donna's obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.
Donna was born on May 6, 1937 in Estherville, IA to Leo and Elsie (Zellaha) Bradshaw. She was encouraged to chase her dreams and feed her curiosity.
Upon graduating high school, Donna moved to Kearney, NE earning a teaching degree. During this time, she met the love of her life, J. Donald Ryan, who she married on August 14, 1959. Through this marriage, they raised three children, Mark, Kelly and Chris. In addition to looking after her children, she taught elementary school for the Catholic Diocese of Grand Island and Grand Island Public Schools. Connecting with her students, she was treasured by many, invited to high school and college graduations, weddings and performances. Often running into them as adults, they would stop and catch up with their "favorite" teacher.
With artistic flare, Donna enjoyed jazzing up her home and accessorizing her threads. Creating, displaying and selling her unique art at Prairie Winds Art Gallery, she enjoyed her time there. Animated, she entertained friends and family with her wit and charm. She could spin a captivating yarn. Though she seldom won at bridge club, being with her longtime and cherished friends filled her cup and was the true reason she joined in.
Loved by many, Donna will be missed dearly but her memories live on through friends and family including son, Mark, daughter and son-in-law, Kelly (Paul) Lutomski, son and daughter-in-law, Chris (Kelsie), granddaughters, Ashley (Joshua) Wolfe, Lauren Ryan, grandson, Morgan Ryan, and great granddaughter, Anna Jo Wolfe, and many nieces, nephews.
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