Claudette Barbara Ryan Obituary (1932 - 2017)

Claudette Barbara Ryan, 85, passed away November 25, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Barbara was born May 5, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan to Claude Baker Tatum and Mary Flo (Small) Tatum. After her father died, her mother married Perry Boyd in Houston, TX who adopted her and her three other sisters. Barbara graduated from Sam Houston High School, Class of 1950 in Houston, Texas. She married Charles G. Ryan December 19, 1952 in Huntsville, Texas and both graduated from Sam Houston State Teachers College in 1953. They were looking forward to celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary December 19, 2017. "Where you are, with what you have, do the best you can" was on the motto board in her classroom. As a teacher, also known as Mrs. I Can, she continued to encourage her students at Sam Houston State College. Also at Wharton High School and Junior High School, Preschool in Wharton, the high schools in Boling and Bay City and then from 1976 to 1990 at Bay City Junior High School 7th grade TexICAN and 8th grade AmerICAN history classes. Barbara enjoyed her family, home, work, church, friends, helping others, water color painting, being outdoors, working in the yard, and exercising. She has also enjoyed playing piano, and composing verse. Since 1969 she has been an active member of Nichols Street Church of Christ having taught Bible class and Bible studies in the past. She has also been a member of the Bay City Kiwanis, Daughters of the American Revolution, and the Houston Bayou Banjo Band 1990-2005. Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Regina Lynn Ryan Sparks. She is survived by her husband, Charles G. Ryan; children Rhonda Lee Ryan, CPA, and Gordon Andrew Ryan, D.C.; grandsons Keith Allen Sparks and wife Kristen, and Scott Sparks and wife Victoria; great grandchildren Cora Lynn Sparks and KynsLee Regina Sparks; and several close nieces and nephews. The Memorial Service for Barbara Ryan will be Sunday, December 3, 2017, at Nichols Street Church of Christ, 1200 Nichols Ave, in Bay City, Texas 77414. Family and Friends Visitation will be at the church starting at 1:30pm and the Services will start at 2:00pm. "In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you do an unexpected, unsolicited act of kindness for someone in need." Message from Barbara Ryan to those left behind: "By friendships my life has been enriched, and if you would honor my memory, please call on a special friend to let them know how much you value and cherish their friendship." "To those I leave behind, I thank you for your friendship and thoughtful kindness, and may God bless you. Until we meet again, find peace in Heaven's hands. Open wide thine arms of love; Lord, I'm coming home."