Kim Ring Ryan

February 2nd is famous for three things: Groundhog Day; cold, snowy weather; and, in 1965, the birth of Kim Ring Ryan. Kim passed away in the arms of her beloved son, Joe, on Oct. 15, 2022, following an uphill battle with her health. She was the second born daughter of Ron and Chere Ring, and was later followed by two brothers.

To say that Kim was a spitfire, a bundle of joy and fun, and an incredible friend is an understatement. She came out running and only stopped once she was forced to due to her paralysis. As a friend, sister, aunt, daughter and, especially, a mother, Kim was one of the kindest people in the world. She gave endlessly and genuinely cared for the people in her life. She never judged another person and she was great at seeing the light and humor in all things. Kim was sweet, outgoing and fearless. She loved cats, sports, painting, watching movies and always having the cutest clothes and shoes. There was not a single thing she wouldn’t do for her son Joe. Knowing she is running in a field of flowers and dancing in the rain brings such comfort.

Growing up in a neighborhood full of kids on Cook Avenue, she was out the door at the crack of dawn and came home when the sun went down. She graced (literally) the halls of Meadowlark Elementary, Will James Junior High and graduated from Billings West High in 1983, taking many awards and “letters” with her.  She was beautiful and popular and so incredibly athletically talented. From playing shortstop on the boys All-Star Little League baseball team to being an elite gymnast to medaling as a diver her first year ever trying, just to name a few, she defined athleticism.

As an adult, she dabbled in many different adventures but always loved her flowers. Ultimately, the career she loved the most was working at a nursery. To this day, she continued to love planting and caring for flowers and getting her hands in the dirt with her mother Chere. She married Patrick Ryan in 1997 and lovingly inherited his three kiddos: Kelly, Jennifer and Brandon. Life changed completely for her when her son, Joseph, was born in 1998. He was the light of her life and the keeper of her soul. Joe often called himself a “mama’s boy” because of the bond they had since he was born. They found comfort being around each other and were best friends. From throwing baseballs in the yard, helping with the gardening, getting through studies together, satisfying their mutual sweet tooth, and endless activities, Kim was the perfect mama. Even despite illness and trauma, she fought to be here for Joe and to see him marry his beloved wife, Shyanne, just three weeks before she was welcomed into Heaven. To say that Joe was a loving, doting son is an understatement. He loved his mom and she loved him.

Kim is survived by her beloved dad, Ron Ring; her mother, best friend and caregiver, Chere Ring; and her treasured son, Joseph (Shyanne). She is also survived by her sister Rhona (Tim) Webb and their family, and brothers Roby Ring and Chad Ring; her stepkids, Kelly Ryan, Jennifer Ryan Miller and Brandon Ryan and their families. We would be remiss not to include her lifelong best friend and caregiver of the past five years, Lisa Mehling.  She was welcomed into heaven by her grandparents, Ed and Emma Ring, whom she loved dearly.

A vigil/memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral mass followed by a luncheon will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21,  at St. Pius X Church, 717 18th St. West.

While she loved flowers, a donation to Gratitude in Action (www.giamt.org/give) is an alternative that benefits women in transformation.