Mary Kay Ryan, 82, of Manhattan, KS, formerly of Quincy, died on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) at St. Joseph Hospital in Wichita, KS.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. at O’Donnell Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy. Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon from 1 p.m. until the time of services at the funeral home in Quincy.
Born on June 30, 1943 in Quincy, Mrs. Ryan was the daughter of Arthur B. and Lillian B. (Terwelp) Borghorst. She married Robert S. “Bob” Kelley on Aug. 9, 1962 and to this union was born their daughter, Bobbette. He preceded her in death on Feb. 12, 1969. She later married Charles J. Ryan on Oct. 19, 1983. He preceded her in death on March 17, 1992.
Mrs. Ryan was a 1961 graduate of Quincy-Notre Dame High School. She worked for several years as an eye care technician in Quincy before working in patient accounts with St. Mary Hospital for many years. When St. Mary Hospital was purchased by Blessing Hospital, she continued her job with them until her retirement.
When she was younger, she and Mr. Kelley enjoyed riding motorcycles and boating on the Mississippi River. She also enjoyed bowling in various leagues. When she became “Nanny” she loved watching and following the activities of her grandchildren and more recently her great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and loved caring for her two dogs, first Bogey and later Maggie, and would watch her daughter’’s dogs, Sadie and Coco, when she was needed. After moving to Manhattan, KS, she loved going to her workout classes at Genesis Health Club where she met a wonderful group of ladies who became very good friends.
Mrs. Ryan was a member of Madison Park Christian Church while living in Quincy and attended Crest View Church in Manhattan.
Mrs. Ryan is survived by her daughter, Bobbette Cookson (Kyle) of Manhattan, KS; three grandchildren, Shannon Leeds (A. J.) of Alpharetta, GA, Shaun Cookson (Angie) of Austin, AR, and Shay Strubinger (Evan) of Manhattan, KS; four great-grandchildren, Lillian Leeds, Lucas Leeds, Taya Strubinger and Ayla Strubinger; sister, Diane Putnam of Hillsboro; brother Daniel Borghorst (Carol) of Quincy; brother-in-law, Kent Kelley (Jenny) of Galesburg; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; and a brother-in-law, Don Putnam.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Purple PAWS of Manhattan. Please make checks payable to Purple PAWS and those may be left at the funeral home. Condolences may be left online to www.odonnellcookson.com.
