Joyce B. Ryan

Joyce B. Ryan, of Overland Park, KS, and formerly of McPherson, KS, peacefully passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.

She was born October 15, 1932, in Jennings, KS, the daughter of Jesse and Blanche (Fortin) Tacha. Joyce spent her early years in Jennings and graduated from Jennings High School.

On February 28, 1964, Joyce was united in marriage to Gerald W. “Jerry” Ryan in McPherson, KS. They were married for 56 years prior to his passing on May 26, 2020.

She took great pride in being a devoted wife and mother. Once her children were older, she began working at McPherson Bank & Trust as a teller.

Joyce was truly the “glue” that held her family together and found great joy in taking care of her loved ones. Cooking was her greatest expression of love, and those who knew her will fondly remember the many wonderful meals she prepared and shared. Her potato salad was especially famous and became a favorite among family and friends.

Her home was always a welcoming place. Joyce loved hosting, preparing meals, and making sure everyone who walked through her door felt at home. She had a wonderful sense of hospitality and a delightful sense of humor. When family would leave, she would “jokingly” say, “I’m always glad to see you come and I’m always glad to see you go!”

Thanksgiving was Joyce’s favorite holiday, and she took great pride in preparing the entire meal for her family. Her preparations often began as early as 4:30 in the morning, ensuring that everything was just right when everyone gathered around her table.

Joyce had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and a personality that made her unforgettable. A favorite story is when her grandson was on a sugar high and singing loudly in the car, his mother said she’d give him a quarter to stop singing. Joyce quick wittingly replied, “I’ll give you fifty cents to keep singing!” Joyce is famous for her one liners, though only a few can be shared. She’d often say, “I’m tired of being nice.”, “If she had a broom she’d fly off on it.”, “Is it on sale?”, “He’s what’s under a horse’s tail.”, and finally, a special one liner that has brought comfort to many, “It’s all fixable.”

Joyce loved shopping, be it her daily trips to Dillons or a mad dash to Chico’s in Wichita. She loved a good deal! Finding a bargain off a clearance rack, or utilizing double coupons brought her great joy. 75% off was her favorite signage!

Above all, Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her welcoming spirit, her generous heart, and her wonderful sense of humor. She created a home filled with love, laughter, good food, and memories that will be treasured by her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Survivors include: six children, Amy Stewart (Dave) of Overland Park, KS, John Ryan (Darline) of Birmingham, AL, Jon Appleby (Mary) of Overland Park, KS, Leann McWhorter of Jupiter, FL, Steven Ryan of Salina, KS, and Terry Crosier of Arvada, CO; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a sister, Jeanece Tacha; granddaughter, Jessica Ryan and two sons-in-law, Bob McWhorter and Steve Crosier.

The memorial service will be at 2:00 PM Friday, September 25, 2026, at Stockham Family Funeral Home, McPherson. Inurnment will follow in McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.