Kathryn Lea Ryser was born on April 23, 1950, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to John Lowell Merrell and Nelda Jim (Ward) Merrell. She was raised and educated in Lubbock, Texas and graduated with the Monterey High School Class of 1968. After high school, she moved to Tulsa and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Oral Roberts University. She then went on to earn a Master of Teaching Arts Degree from the University of Tulsa. Kathy was married on December 28, 1974, in Lubbock, Texas to Tony A. Ryser. She took time off from working to raise her three daughters. Kathy returned to work and taught as an elementary physical education teacher at Broken Arrow Public Schools and Jenks Public Schools for four years. She then moved to Owasso, Oklahoma in 1989 and started as a math lab tutor for five years at Mills Elementary before spending the next 15 years as the physical education teacher. Kathy has been a faithful member of First Methodist Church in Downtown Tulsa for over 40 years. Kathy’s primary focus in life was loving and serving Jesus as demonstrated in her tireless deeds of helping, caring, giving, encouraging, praying, and supporting those whom God placed in her path. She had a variety of pastimes such as being outdoors, playing tennis, swimming, water skiing, and playing the guitar, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and especially her seven grandchildren.
She leaves behind many beloved family members including:
Her husband;
Tony Ryser
3 Daughters;
Julia Soules and husband Steve
Mary Thomas and husband Brian
Rebekah Davies and husband Walter
7 Grandchildren;
Sheridan, Aspen, Bristol, Eli, Tori, Dru, and Asher
4 Siblings;
John Merrell and wife Ruth
Judy Merrell
Barry Merrell and wife Edde
Joe Merrell
Father;
Lowell Merrell
Mother-in-Law;
Cardella Ryser
She was preceded in death by her mother, Nelda, and her father-in-law, Fred Ryser.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at First Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Private family graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bible Blast and Bible Biz of First Methodist Church, 1115 S. Boulder Ave., Tulsa, OK 74119
