Patrick Ryan

Patrick “Cracker” Keith Ryan, 89, of Gem, KS, died Monday, July 31, 2023. He was born May 10, 1934, in Rawlins County, KS, to Mark and Mary Adeline (Mentlick) Ryan. Patrick attended White Dove Country School, in southeast Rawlins County, from 1st- 8th grade and then went to St. Joseph’s Military Academy, in Hays, KS, and graduated with the class of 1955. After high school he returned to the family farm, where he worked until his death.

Patrick married Betty Farmer on May 1, 1965, in Colby, KS and to this union three boys were born. The couple enjoyed summer vacations to Grand Lake, CO and going to all their children and grandchildren’s activities. Patrick also liked coyote hunting with greyhounds and playing cards, especially pinochle. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, in Colby, and the Knights of Columbus.

Patrick was preceded in death by his parents; brother Mark and sisters, Darlene Ryan, Phyllis Dean and Mary Ann McMillian.

He is survived by his wife Betty, of the home; sons, Scott (Natalie) Ryan, of Edmond, OK, Steve Ryan of Colby and Richard Ryan, of Gem; seven grandsons, Blair Ryan, Matt Ryan, Josh Ryan, Brooks Ryan, Brady Ryan, Brandon Ryan and Declan Ryan; sister Shirley Hess; brother-in-law Jerry Dean and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and cousins.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Baalmann Mortuary, Colby. Funeral Mass is at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 14, 2023, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby, with burial in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Rawlins County, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials to help with Brandon Ryan’s cancer recovery may be made to Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701 or donated online at gofund.me/26772ac7. For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com