Susan Kay Ryan

Susan Kay Ryan passed away on May 11, 2023, just four days and one month shy of her 68th birthday. Born in the Dalles, Oregon on June 15, 1955, Susan was the beloved daughter of Raymond G. Dorothy Spending her early childhood in South Dakota, Susan loved in Oregon most of her life. Growing up in the Santiam Canyon and calling Salem home as an adult.

She attended Santiam High School, Oregon State University, and Chemeketa Community College. It was at Chemeketa that she found her true calling as a librarian, where she worked for over 30 years.

As a true cat whisperer, Susan was an avid volunteer at Friends of Felines and a loving cat foster parent. It was here she fostered, then adopted her cat companion, Rocky. Her home was a haven of furry friends in need. And she took great pride in caring for them until finding their forever homes.

Susan’s love for cats was only matched by her love for her family. She is survived by her daughter. Heather (Randy) Thomas; and her grandchildren, Jordan Lanham, Gabe Lanham, Keira Lanham, and Kendall Thomas.

Susan loved taking trips to Las Vega, where she was often seen enjoying the Bellagio fountains or trying her luck at her favorite slot machine Kitty Glitter. She also had a deep passion for reading and had a large collection of Cat Mysteries. But above all else, Susan loved spending time with her grandchildren and watching her grandsons play sports, which brought endless joy and laughter into her life.

As we remember Susan, let us carry her spirit with us by embracing laughter, love, and the joy that comes from a good book and a warm kitten.