Shirley M. Ryan

McFarland - Shirley M Ryan, age 80, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. She was born on December 17, 1944, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to the late Carl and Norma (York) Henthorne. The family eventually moved to Madison and she graduated from Central High School in 1963. Shirley married James Edward Ryan on October 14, 1972, in Madison at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. They bought their first house in McFarland which is where they spent their years together and enjoyed raising their sons. She worked for 40 years for Wisconsin Bell/AT&T before her retirement in 1997. After her husband James’ heart transplant in 1983, she faithfully stood by his side and loved and cared for him for the rest of his life. Shirley and her sisters loved to collect dolls, Beanie Babies and Shirley Temple memorabilia. Gambling trips with her sisters and shake of the day tries were always favorite activities. She loved her Brandy Old-Fashioneds (with extra cherries), traditional Wisconsin fish fries, and Christmas music, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.  

Shirley is survived by her sons, Matthew Ryan and Patrick Ryan, grandson James, siblings Jerry (Joanne) Henthorne, Marilyn Soule, Carla Baez, and Dolores (Barry) Ingle. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was proceeded in death by her husband, James, her parents, Matthew‘s longtime companion, Christine Woodford, brother Myron “Bub” Henthorne, sister, Bonnie (Chuck) Zepke, sister Patty (Ivan) Lean, sister Beverly (Melvin) Christianson, brother-in-law Bob Soule, brother-in-law Lyle Baez, and nephews David McClellan, Tom Lean, and Michael Busch. 

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton, Wisconsin. Burial will follow at Town of Dunn Burying Grounds. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. 

Thank you to Agrace Hospice Care for the care given to Shirley as well as the communication and support given to Matthew and Patrick. 

Shirley beat cancer twice, and although Alzheimer’s took away her memories, everyone who knew Mom will remember her as a kind and loving person who was also very strong and fought and advocated for those she loved.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5801 Highway 51, PO Box 105, McFarland WI

(608) 838-0655

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com