Kathleen Ryan Cox, 78, Nashville, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home Thursday, March 30, 2017, surrounded by her children and loved ones.
Born in Columbus, Indiana, Sept. 1, 1939, Kathleen Ryan was the first child of Dr. William J. and Mary (Lindley) Ryan.
Kathleen is survived by three children and seven grandchildren; her daughter, Suzanne Powers (David) and their daughter, Molly, all of Indianapolis; her son, Andrew Cox (Julie) and their children, Caitlin and David, all of Rocky River, Ohio; and her daughter, Erika Reiss and her children, Ryan, Emma, Nicole, and Noah, all of Canal Winchester, Ohio. Kathleen is also survived by her brother, Dr. William J. Ryan Jr. of Port St. Lucie, Florida.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her youngest brother, Dr. Charles Ryan; and her husband of 47 years, David Norton Cox.
Kathleen and David raised their children in Rocky River, Ohio. Kathleen later earned her RN, then worked as a school nurse for Cleveland Public Schools until David’s and her retirement to Nashville, Indiana, in 1992. There she became an artist in residence, specializing in watercolors and acrylics.
Kathleen adored her Westies, Tootsie, Max and Max II, and was a familiar sight when walking them twice daily. After David’s passing in 2006, Kathleen remained in Nashville and enjoyed daily life with her many kind neighbors and friends.
“Nana K” adored all her children and grandchildren unconditionally; she will be forever remembered for her reassuring words, sweet smile, youthful glow and infinite optimism.
A celebration of her life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Brown County Presbyterian Fellowship, 602 State Road 135 North. All friends are welcome. Guests are encouraged to dress in some of Kathleen’s favorite colors (coral, pinks, bright blues). Her family asks that guests enter with a smile and fond memories ready to share.
Arrangements are with Indiana Funeral Care in Indianapolis.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathleen’s name may be made to the Bean Blossom Animal Clinic in honor of the loving care they always provided to her precious Westies. Donations can be made online at beanblossomanimalclinic.com or sent to the clinic at 4915 State Road 135 North, Nashville, IN 47448.
