Joan Katherine Flynn Ryan, age 90, of Memphis, TN, passed away peacefully in her home on September 13, 2021.

Joan was born on July 3, 1931, in Westbrook, MN, to Herbert and Esther Flynn. She graduated from Westbrook High School and the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting where she met her husband, William "Red" Terrance Ryan, on a switched blind date.

Joan is survived by her seven kids and their spouses: Michael and Olga Ryan, Terrance and Gretchen Ryan, Allen and Patricia Krum, Shawn and Renea Ryan, William Ryan, William and Catherine Preaskorn, and Theresa Fairchild, seventeen grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Joan is also survived by her two sisters, Jerry Erickson and Dorothy Zanoni.

Joan is predeceased by her husband, William "Red" Ryan and her parents, Herbert and Esther Flynn.

Joan was a resident of Memphis, TN, for 51 years. She retired from a successful career as a Comptroller at Memphis University School for 30 years. She enjoyed going to MUS football games well after retirement.

Joan loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and siblings. She was a very strong, practical woman who never hesitated to give her honest opinion and was trusted by all. Joan had values that were important to her that she passed on to her children and grandchildren..

Joan was also very proud of her Irish heritage. She was a faithful Catholic and attended Church every Sunday. Joan's talents were many. She was a  welcoming hostess and was an excellent cook who made the best homemade bread around, and her lasagna was always a crowd favorite. She was also a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her lifelong example of compassion, resilience, patience, and love is a true testament to her character. Her family will be forever grateful for the time they had with her.

Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Sunday September 19, 2021, from 5 to 6 at Forest Hill Funeral Home East and  to the  funeral on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. She will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery East.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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