Ann Marie

(Buffington) Ryan

Ann Ryan, 89, passed away at her home in Ophir on November 6, 2011 surrounded by her family. Ann was born March 15, 1922 in Gold Beach to Collier and Xenia (Knorr) Buffington. She lived her entire life in the Gold Beach area except for attending and graduating her senior year in Berkeley and a year at Oregon State University. She married Curtis E. Ryan in Gold Beach on November 28, 1942, Ann's parents' 27th wedding anniversary. They made their home in Ophir where Ann was a stay-at-home mom with exception to the 13 years she worked as a nurse's aide at Curry General Hospital. She and Curt enjoyed traveling to Ocean City, Wa. for 14 years to dig razor clams. They also loved to bowl and were the oldest married couple on the senior league in Brookings. Ann also liked to knit, cross-stitch, bake, and pottery making. She was the pillar and heart of her family. Ann was very active in 4-H as a leader and in other community endeavors. Survivors include her husband of almost 69 years, Curt of Ophir, son, Curtiss (Mac) E. Ryan of Burbank, WA, daughter and son-in-law, Gretchen A. and James (Rusty) Green of La Pine, OR, grandchildren, Douglas B. Sandidge, Jr. and his wife, Katy of Eagle Creek, OR, Rebecca Sandidge Miller and her husband, Roy of Beaverton, OR, Todd Ryan of Spokane, WA, Wendy Ryan Cressotti and her husband, Karl of Jamestown, RI, great grandchildren, Ryan and Rebekah Sandidge of Eagle Creek, OR, Alexandria Knox of Jamestown, RI, and twins, Anna and Lomax Miller of Beaverton, OR. Ann was preceded in death by all of her siblings: Nancy (Sammy) Starkweather, Deborah Collett, Donald Buffington, Richard Buffington, Charles (Peter) Buffington, Collier (Sonny) Buffington, Jr. and grandson Arthur Segerdell. Also, two nephews Bruce and Fritz Starkweather. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Coastal Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 493, Gold Beach, OR 97444