Susan L. Ryan

Susan Louise Vollenweider Ryan, 78, of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 26^th 2023. In her final days, she was loved and surrounded by her family.

Susie was born on March 5, 1945 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Henry and Naoma Vollenweider. She was the third of nine children. During her grade school years, her parents moved to Lexington, Missouri to manage Kerr Apple Orchards. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1963 and went on to further her education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics in 1967. It was in Columbia where she met and married David L. Ryan on September 10, 1967. One child was born of the marriage, their daughter, Sarah Jane Ryan.

Upon David’s return to Trenton to start his medical practice, Susie took an active role in the community.  She was involved in many organizations including the Trenton Park Board, Antique Study Club, Bridge Club, and Master Gardeners.  She was also a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. Her greatest contribution to Trenton though, was as an original trustee of the Rose Hoover Foundation. You can still see her influence today if you drive through Eastside and Moberly Parks and North Central Missouri College and admire the trees and landscaping.  She wanted to make Trenton a beautiful place to live and for all to enjoy.

Susie’s love language was giving to others.  Whether it was a needlepointing a pillow, knitting a Christmas stocking or baking a favorite dish, she always had a way of making people feel special.  Her home and fashion were a reflection of who she was—nothing too fancy, but classy and charming.  Her favorite way to spend time was laughing with her seven sisters and one brother, talking at length with Ellen Dolan, working with Donna Christy and the ladies at Barnes Greenhouses and enjoying visits from Tricia and Andrew. Her greatest joy was her daughter, Sarah Jane. They simply enjoyed each other’s company and, occasionally, a good cherry coke. The depth of Susie’s fun-loving spirit and her laughter will be missed by all. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Jane Ryan Hill (Andy); grandchildren, Tricia Ryan Hill Brizendine (Isaac) and Andrew Tye Hill; Sisters, Lucy Rhu Weaver, Becky Eiman, Sarah Apperson (Gordon), Ike Day (Tom), Mitzi Hund (Ken), Louise Pieper (Dan), Charlie Vollenweider (Kathy) and Teresa Vollenweider.  She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who brought her great joy. Susie has now moved from her home to our heart.

Life has its moments of sorrow, and Susie endured her share. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Naoma Vollenweider and brother-in-law, Ron Eiman.

In a final tribute to this special sister, mother and grandmother, a private family service will be held at Floral Hills Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorials be sent to KC Hospice (9001 State Line Road, Suite 300 Kansas City, MO 64114) or Powell Gardens (1609 Northwest US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061 or powellgardens.org). Please be sure to mention Susie Ryan in the comments.