Natalie Zan Ryan

Natalie Zan Ryan went to be with the Lord on December 30, 2021. She was born on March 12, 1966, in Big Spring, Texas, to Virginia Ann Ryan and George Alden Ryan.

Natalie is survived by her father and his wife Patricia; brothers and sisters-in-law, G. Brint Ryan and Amanda Sutton Ryan, Kristopher Klay Ryan and Miranda Bond Ryan, and Kory Lee Ryan and Tara Nichole Ryan; aunts, Mary Wilson Merritt, Jane Ryan Rowland, Camella Louise Ryan; uncle, Melvin Gregg Ryan; nieces Virginia Beth Ryan, Sarah Sterling Ryan, Annabelle Templin Ryan, Victoria Zan Ryan, and Mary Raegan Ryan; and nephews Alden Kristopher Ryan and Liam Edward Ryan. She is preceded in death by her mother and grandparents Mary Lu Wilson and Jack Bethel Wilson, Sr. and Zan Elizabeth Ryan and Jesse Alden Ryan.

Natalie spent her early childhood in Big Spring but moved to her Ryan grandparents’ ranch ten miles outside town in Luther, Texas, where she rode horses, drove tractors, and helped her grandfather tend cattle. While living in Big Spring, Natalie was a member of College Heights Christian Church. She moved to San Angelo, Texas, after high school and lived there until her passing.

In 2003, Natalie graduated with honors from Angelo State University with a Master of Arts in English and received the Outstanding Academic Achievement award. Natalie was President of Sigma Tau Delta English honor society, 2001-2003, and was a member of the International English Honor Society, 2001-2002.

Natalie joined Angelo State University’s faculty in 2004 as an English professor, a position she held until her death. Her love of writing inspired her young students and gave her much satisfaction knowing she made a difference in their lives. She was an avid traveler to Europe and Asia, and she returned to her ancestral country of Ireland several times. Also a gifted writer, Natalie was completing a novel as well as coauthoring several books at the time of her passing. She was witty, gutsy, extremely loyal, exceptionally intelligent, and always the life of the party. With her beautiful face, radiant blue eyes, and unforgettable Texas accent, she was a force of nature who never let adversity hold her back.

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Big Spring, Texas, will hold Natalie’s memorial service on January 21 at 2:00 PM in the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel.

After the service, her family will host a celebration of Natalie’s life at 4:00 PM at the Hotel Settles.

In accordance with her wishes, a portion of Natalie’s inurned remains will be buried next to her mother at Trinity Memorial Park and a portion will be spread over the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare, Ireland.

Forever missing her, “nolle timere”.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com