Catherine Ryon

Catherine Raub Ryon, "Catty," 93, passed away quietly in her home surrounded by loving family, on Monday, the evening of the New Moon, July 20, 2020. Her husband of 59 years, John L. Ryon Jr. "Jack," died Oct. 22, 2008.

She was born in Scranton, daughter of the late Russell and Catherine (Kent) Raub. She was a graduate of Dana Hall Preparatory School in Wellesley, Mass., and graduate of Bennett College in Millbrook, N.Y., in 1949. She then ran her own nursery school before marrying her beloved husband of 59 years, Jack Ryon.

They moved about the country from Louisiana to Michigan and finally settled in Clarks Green for 61 years. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit. A beloved wife, mother of six, grandmother of eight, and great-grandmother of 14.

Catty loved to entertain, especially around the holidays, and was frequently the life of the party. She was beautiful, caring, considerate, strong willed, quick with a smile, and loved dancing with her husband. She loved her Josh Groban, silly jokes, and her near daily visits to Gerrity's Market where she seemed to know everyone who worked there. For many years, she enjoyed traveling with her family to 'sconset, Nantucket, in the summers and the island of Bonaire in the winters. For the last 20-plus years, she loved going to Duck City, her cottage by the lake, in Cazenovia, N.Y., to visit family and grandchildren. She was most at home in her den with Penny, her cat, and a cocktail with a crackling fire in the fireplace.

Thanks to Catty, holiday celebrations at the Ryon household were filled with joy and happiness, lots and lots of family, and decorations! Evenings always came to a close with the whole family and guests gathered around a player piano belting out old tunes.

Gatherings were frequently embellished with one of Catty's beloved witty poems, composed for the occasion.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful help and care received from Catty's loyal and devoted caregivers over the years, and the care given by Traditional Hospice.

She is survived by her children, son, John Lesley III and wife, Karen, of Manlius, N.Y.; daughter, Catherine Elizabeth "Pizza" of Cazenovia, N.Y.; daughter, Martha Cornue and husband, Dale, of Cazenovia, N.Y.; son, Samuel S. and wife, Kim, of Factoryville, Pa.; son, R. Timothy and wife, Christy, of Chesterland, Ohio; and son, Anthony "Tony" and wife, Laurie, of Hopedale, Mass.

The family will hold a private service at their family home with the Rev. William "Bill" Carter, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Clarks Summit, officiating. Interment, Clarks Green Cemetery.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, Clarks Summit, PA 18411.