RYAN

Kathye Adams Ryan, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, died Sunday, July 14, 2013, at the age of 58 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born June 28, 1955, she was a member of New Zion Baptist Church in Blonde, and was retired from St. Tammany Parish Schools as the early intervention/preschool and child search coordinator. During that time she served on regional and state committees for early childhood education. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1977 and her Master’s Degree in Education from Nicholls State University in 1980. She earned her Master’s plus 30 in 1991. Through the years, she received numerous recognitions for her countless services and passion to advance awareness for special needs children statewide.

At an early age, Kathye began her Christian ministry at Superior Avenue Baptist Church, where she was an organizer of mission trips and backyard Bible classes. While at New Zion Baptist Church she and her devoted husband were teachers, choir members, and outreach leaders for the senior luncheon ministry.

Upon her retirement, Kathye and her husband returned to Washington Parish to be with her family. At that time she developed her talent as an artist and was a member of the Washington Parish Art Association. She was proud of her accomplishments and awards won at local competitions.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerome “Jay” Ryan of Bogalusa; a son, Adam (Kristie) Ryan; one daughter, Amber Ryan of Covington; three grandchildren, Mackenzie, Blake and 4-month-old Averie Leigh Ryan, all of Covington; her parents, Jerry and Betty Adams of Bogalusa; one sister, Lorrie (Keith) Bickham of Angie; and numerous other loving family members, including Carol and Allen Hillier.

She was preceded in death by one infant child; her grandparents, Ellis and Irene Adams and Clayton and Velma Byrd; and one brother, Jerry Ellis Adams Jr.

Visitation was held Tuesday, July 16 at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at New Zion Baptist Church, 17387 New Zion Church Road in Covington, preceded by visitation from 12 p.m. until service time. The Rev. Toby Hughes, the Rev. Clark Stewart and the Rev. Marcus Rosa will officiate. Interment will follow in the McGehee Cemetery in Bogalusa.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Cancer Society or New Zion Family Life Center.

Kathye was well-known for her loving and compassionate care for all those she came in contact with throughout her life. She was a very blessed lady who lived every day of her life for her Lord.

To view and sign the guest book, visit www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com