Kathleen ‘Kaye’ Marie Gribneau Ryan, 68, died Sunday, Sept. 20 surrounded by her loving family and devoted friends after a fight with cancer at her childhood home in the Adirondack Mountains.
She was born in Utica, NY as the first child to Clayton Alfred Gribneau, Sr. and Josephine Gertrude Burth Gribneau. She grew up in Inlet, NY and relocated to California with her young family in 1970.
Once in California, she accomplished many things, some of which were accountant for Abbey Carpets, Controller for Rich Fruit Pack, owner of a 7-11 franchise and a bridal salon.
Some of her greatest achievements were being listed in the “Who’s Who of California in 1990” for being a female CFO, along with starting and coaching in the youth soccer program in the greater Oakdale area.
She will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and a committed friend to so many whose lives she touched by her meaningful and special ways.
She appreciated the many personal friends in the Forestport, Inlet and Oakdale communities who kept her spirits up and offered support during her illness.
She is survived by her husband of more than 50 years, James Ryan, Sr. of Forestport, NY; daughters, Danella (Karl) Ketcham of Modesto, Suzanne Matthews (Fred Guthmiller) of Oakdale; son, James Paul (Stacey) Ryan, Jr. of Oakdale; mother, Gertrude Gribneau; seven siblings and their families; and granddaughters, Shelby Guthmiller, Lydia Frederick, Brooke and Brittney Ryan, and Nicole Armstrong.
She was preceded in death by her father, Clayton A. Gribneau, Sr.
A memorial prayer service was held on Sept. 24 at St. Patrick’s Church in Forestport, NY. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11 at Jim Jr.’s home, 2344 Naturewood Drive, Oakdale.
In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a Kaye Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund for youths participating in soccer. Remembrances may be made in her memory to the Kaye Ryan Memorial Scholarship Fund, 560 No. Oak Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361.
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
Oct. 7, 2009
