Jane A. Ryan

Jane Arnegard Ryan, 97, died peacefully of natural causes November 1, 2016. A North Dakota native, she was born June 24, 1919 in Grand Forks, to Elizabeth and Ole Arnegard. She grew up in Hillsboro and graduated valedictorian in 1937.

She married Hugh Ryan, DDS on February 28, 1942. They celebrated 50 years of marriage in 1992 before his death later that year.

She lived a fulfilling life as a homemaker, Navy wife, mother of four, grandmother of six and great grandmother of one. Leaving the Navy in 1963, Hugh maintained a dental practice in Omaha, Nebraska. Upon retirement of his dental practice in 1973, they relocated to San Diego, California.

Jane volunteered for many organizations: over thirty years with St. Vincent de Paul Ladies Guild, Social Service Auxiliary and the Oakleaf Club. For her service at St. Vincent de Paul, she was awarded the Bishop Maher Award for “making a preferential option for the poor” in 2010.

She was a great lover of the arts and a founding member of Advocates for Classical Music. She was also a member of St. Therese Catholic Church in San Diego for thirty plus years.

Jane traveled extensively visiting forty-eight countries and was a three time cancer survivor.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Capt. Hugh Ryan, USN, Ret. and her sister, Margaret (Peg) Downey. She is survived by her children, Betty (Paul) Mayfield of Cincinnati, Bill (Jade) Ryan of San Diego, Barb (Geno, d. 2012) Kabes of Santee and Becky Ryan of El Cajon. Six grandchildren, Mike Mayfield, Doug (Emily) Mayfield, Laura Kabes, Vicky Ryan, Patty Ryan, Kate Ryan and one great granddaughter, Temperance Williams.

Per Jane’s request a private family service will be held for immediate family members only, with interment following at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, California.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held at Admiral Baker Club House, 2400 Admiral Baker Road, San Diego, California on Saturday, December 3 from 11:00 to 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Father Joe’s Village, my.neighbor.org or Advocates for Classical Music advocatesforclassicalmusic.org


Advocates for Classical Music San Diego
C/O Richard Morgan
12818 Corte Arauco
San Diego, CA 92128


Father Joe's Village
3350 E Street
San Diego, CA 92102