Mary Jane Ryan

Mary Jane Ryan of Fabens, Texas passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 8th, 2014 at the age of 88. She was born to Seth and Dorothy Duren, on October 6, 1925, in Archer City, Texas where she was raised with her two sisters Adele and Francis Mae. After completing her bachelor’s degree at North Texas State University, she moved to “Fabulous Fabens”, Texas where she met James “Jim” Ryan who would be the love of her life. During her 40+ year tenure in the Fabens Independent School District, Jane taught many subjects and grade levels including art, music, reading and her favorite, the 5th grade. She was always eager to hear news of the children she taught over the years as they grew up and became pillars of the community. After retiring from a rewarding teaching career, she turned her attention to her other passions. She was a long time member and former president of the Paso Del Norte Porcelain Arts Club as well as a member of the El Paso Lower Valley Retired Teachers Association and the Rio Valley Woman’s Club. She was known by family and friends as always dignified but with just the right amount of sassiness. She found joy attending church services on Sundays, attending the opera and theatre with friends, and watching Tiger play golf on television. An avid gardener, she would often be found tending to her rose bushes and ensuring the hummingbirds were well fed. Mary Jane is preceded in passing by her parents Seth and Dorothy as well as her beloved husband Jim, her siblings Sonny, Adele and Francis Mae, her son Paul and granddaughter Carley Ann. She is survived by her sons and their spouses Joe, Denise, Seth, Mark, Sherry, Michael, Patti, David and Paul’s wife Kit. Jane had 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Mary Jane Ryan will always be remembered, loved, and missed by the family and community that she leaves behind. Service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Fabens located at 201 Camp St. Fabens, TX at 10:30AM on March 21nd to be immediately followed by a graveside service at Fort Bliss National Cemetery located at 5200 Fred Wilson Ave. El Paso, TX at 1:00PM. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Fabens, P.O. Box 416, Fabens, TX 79838. PDF Printable Version

Mary Jane Ryan

October 6, 1925 - March 8, 2014