Gail Ryan

Nedenia Gail Ryan (Stallings) "Gigi" was born September 27th, 1949, in Sikeston, MO, to Marion Walter and Myrtle Nadine Stallings (Walters). She attended Sikeston Public Schools until her graduation in 1967. In 1972 she graduated with a bachelor's degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University, where she met and later married Philip Edward Ryan. The couple wed on February 27th, 1971, in Sikeston, MO, and soon after that relocated to Hanau, West Germany, during Phil's service in the United States Army. While in West Germany, Gail taught school in the Armed Forces School System. After the couple returned to the United States, she spent two years teaching for Sikeston Public Schools before the couple moved to Waco, TX. Gail was a member of the Waco Junior League and continued teaching for three more years before transitioning her career focus to raising her new family. The family later moved to Hays, KS, where she resumed her teaching career at Wilson Elementary School, and finally onto Overland Park, KS, where she obtained her master's degree from Webster University and continued teaching at Overland Trail Elementary until her retirement in 2013.

Gail lived vibrantly and thrived on traveling, edgy fashion, home decorating, shopping, and entertaining anyone and everyone. She loved the arts and cherished her beloved family, husband, children, grandchildren, and close friendships. She was a stranger to no one. "Gigi" adored her little family and was a staple in her children's and grandchildren's everyday life. She was always their biggest fan and cheerleader. Everything Gail did was over-the-top and is a quality that lives on in her children. Her holiday spirit, decorations, and giving spirit made the holidays magical. She was easily spotted around town in her various red SUVs and colorful, wacky glasses while running to and from activities and shopping. She was the original 'Maxinista,' and no TJMaxx or HomeGoods was safe from her reach. Her family and friends will dearly miss her energy and spirit.

Gail is survived by her husband, Philip Ryan; two children, Ashley Elizabeth Maximuk (Ryan) (Daniel Paul Maximuk) of Overland Park, KS, and George Stallings Ryan of Kansas City, MO; two grandchildren, Madison Elizabeth Maximuk and Ryan Paul Maximuk of Overland Park, KS and her brother Marion Ronald Stallings (Angela Burgess Stallings) of St. Mary's, GA. She is preceded in death by both parents.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, at Village Presbyterian Church - Antioch Campus, 14895 Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS, 66221, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. A graveside service and inurnment will follow on Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 9501 W. 159th Street, Overland Park, KS, 66221, at 10:00 AM. The family encourages family and friends to wear bright, cheerful colors during all services to honor Gail's spunky personality and zest for life and all of its beauty!

The family asks for the consideration of donations in Gail's memory to either the St Luke's Foundation - St Luke's Mid America Heart Institute Click Here to donate.

or The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts - Open Doors Program Click Here to donate.

If a gift of flowers is preferred, please consider using Gail's favorite local flower shop, Sidelines Floral, 511 E 135th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64145 (816) 941-8814.

To leave a message of condolence for Gail's family or to share a special memory of Gail, please visit the guestbook below.