Ruthie Catherine Ryan

Ruthie Catherine Ryan - 76years old of Myrtle Beach, SC, previously of Southern NH and of course, Tewksbury MA before that, went to be with Jesus on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Instead of telling you what she’s done, we choose to tell you who she was through our memories:

 “Ruthie’s eyes told a story of love, and her laugh is the voice of that story.” — Nancy, Friend

“Ruthie loved life, never met a stranger, and always had a sweet smile on her face. She was always happy to see her friends and made their day better just by being with her.” — Pam, Friend

“I will never forget our walks on the beach looking for shells. I’ll always remember you, Ruthie, until we meet again.” — Mary, Friend

“Ruthie was the epitome of kind. Her smile filled the room, and she and I both called her daughter Heather ‘our favorite Heather.’” — Elise, Friend

“She had a certain glow when helping others. She was my dear friend and my closest sister. My family won the lottery when Dave and Ruthie married.” — Barbara, Sister-in-Law

“Matthew 5:14 — ‘You are the light of the world.’ Mimi was quick-witted and sassy, but more importantly, she had the sweetest and most caring heart. Above all, her love for Jesus shined through.” — Lexie, Granddaughter

“Proverbs 31:25–26 — ‘Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Ruthie was the epitome of strong, kind, lighthearted, and humble. Kindness oozed out of her, even in some of her last weeks of life. I consider myself blessed to have known her and had the honor of calling her family.”— Kati, Granddaughter

“Ruthie was the love of my life. She had the most beautiful smile, loved to laugh and dance, and loved me most of all—with the exception of maybe Elvis!”— Dave, Husband

“She was always generous and very present. She took us to Red Sox games, and we went to the airport diner all the time. She loved to have fun. She used to call Oreos ‘O’reals’ and always wanted to arm wrestle. She never failed to make everyone smile.”— Justin & Ryan, Grandsons

“Ruthie gave me a gift 20 years before I met her, and she herself was another gift to us for the last 28 years... all the way to the end with her ‘HI JAY.’ I look forward to hearing that one more time when we meet again. It’s been an honor.”— Jay, Son-in-Law

“My mom told me just a few months back that I was the story of her life and that there is nothing in this world she would rather have than me. Same, Mom, same... I love you more.” — Heather, Daughter

She is survived by her husband of 19 years, David Ryan, her daughter Heather Michaud and husband, Jay; her grandsons, Justin and Ryan, and their wives, Kati and Lexie all of Texas and her step-grandson Nicholas Michaud of Manchester, NH; her stepson Jesse Ryan of New Ipswich, NH, and her favorite Sister in Law, Barbara Hashian of Marblehead, MA; grand dogs Zoey and Beckett.

Ruthie requested no services. Family and friends will hold a private celebration. 

Our family will be forever grateful to Agape Care (Hospice). They were amazing at every step, caring for her with compassion, dignity and love. We are especially grateful to her social worker, Jen, who went above and beyond to give her one of her favorite days - Arranging for an Elvis impersonator (Stephen Freeman) to come and sing for her. Seeing her sing and dance to some of her favorite music is a memory we will all cherish forever.

If any of you are feeling led to make a contribution in Ruthie’s name, please consider Agape’s foundation which provides grants to meet hospice families basic needs and final wishes. Checks Made to “The Carnation Foundation” - Mailed to 3009 Church St, Suite B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 www.agapecaregroup.com

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