Velma Ryan

Velma Jean Ryan, 78, died at Presbyterian St. Luke's hospital on April 2, 2021. The cause of death was attributed to multiple things including her fight with acute Myelomonocytic Leukemia.

Born May 23, 1942 in Roggen, CO, she grew up on the family farm and enjoyed 4H and square dancing. Velma graduated valedictorian of her high school class and lived in Denver, CO for almost 53 years. She graduated with a B.S. in Food Science and Nutrition from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO and did the Administrative Dietetic Graduate Program at the University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Throughout her career she worked at the University of Colorado, Sheridan School District, Fitzsimmons, Martin Marietta, and retired from NCAR, Boulder, CO in 2004.

She is survived by her sister Vickie Redman (Jerry) Aurora, CO, her daughter Nancy Ryan Denver, CO and her son Michael Ryan (Christi) Kansas City, MO  and five grandchildren: Riley and Ryan Powers and Tom, John, and Mia Ryan. Velma was preceded in death by her parents Pauline and Lyle Cooksey, husband John Kenneth Ryan, and brother Vernon Cooksey.

Visitation is on Thursday, April 15, 2021 from 5-8pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80246. Funeral Mass on Friday, April 16, 2021 at 10am at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3959 E. Iliff Avenue, Denver, CO 80210 with interment and reception to follow from 12-2pm at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec Street, Denver, CO 80247.

The livestream can be viewed at https://mpbdenver.org/live starting a little before 10am.

Memorial contributions are welcome for Leukemia and Arthritis Foundations.

Please share memories of Velma and condolences with her family by signing the Tribute Wall above.