Narka Lee Keller Ryan

Ryan, Narka Lee Keller On November 9, 2020, Narka Keller Ryan died peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family; her husband, William S. Ryan, and their children Kathleen R. Hall (Pat), William A. Ryan, Thomas S. Ryan (Michelle) and Marjorie Ryan Cykman (Jonathan). She was Nana to 15 grandchildren: Matthew, Rebecca, Kevin, Gage, Whitney, Keller, Kristine, Ashley, Mark, Jessica, Christina, Jenna, Pierre, Joseph, and Brooks, and 7 great grandchildren: Cora, Claire, Oliver, Forest, Dylan, Dresden and Lucie. She is also survived by her niece Sheila Wright (Ed) and nephew Tim Gwennap (Libby) and their families who were also very special to her. Narka was born December 22, 1930 in the Wheeling, WV suburb of Elm Grove to the late Shields and Ethel (“Appel”) Wayman Keller. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie K. Gwennap (Jack R. Gwennap). Narka grew up in Wheeling, WV, and loved music, sports and school. She was an active member of the Stone Presbyterian Church. She was nicknamed “Red” for her beautiful red hair which, over the years, became a beautiful white. She attended Bethany College near Wheeling where she and Bill met. During the summer of her college graduation, she and Bill were married and were blessed to be with each other for the next 68 years. Their four children brought enormous joy to her and her unconditional love filled them all with great happiness. After graduation, she joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and became an active leader in Congregational, Regional and General expressions of the Christian Church. Narka taught piano for many years; instilling both technical skills as well as a love for music in all her students. Thirty years after graduating from college she enrolled in and completed the three-year Master of Divinity Degree Program at Wesley Theological Seminary, graduated and was Ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). From elementary school through graduate school she consistently excelled academically and always enjoyed learning. In the first three years of her ministry, she served as Director of Development for the American Church in Paris, France, after which she became Director of Stewardship for the Disciples of Christ General Church. She was an engaging and excellent communicator in her teaching and preaching. She was a mentor to many young pastors. Narka exemplified a generosity of spirit and giving of herself to others which endeared her to all those who had the privilege to know her. She was a wonderful mosaic of unconditional love for her family and all those around her, with high intellectual abilities and academic excellence that was guided by her genuine humility. Her Christian faith prompted her to yearn for love and justice to be extended to all people regardless of race, national origin, gender or sexual orientation. Together, Narka and Bill served congregations in Oklahoma, Missouri and Maryland. They lived the last 52 years in Catonsville; the most recent 7 as residents of the Charlestown Retirement Community. Due to the current health crisis in our nation, a Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be delayed until all can safely gather. Memorial gifts may be made to the Narka Lee Keller Ryan Bethany Fellows Memorial Fund (a mentoring ministry serving young pastors) at www.bethanyfellows.org or by sending a check to Bethany Fellows, c/o Levon Weaver, 4601 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64112.