Liane Ryan Obituary
Liane Marie Taylor Ryan
January 29, 1973 - February 7, 2025
Liane Marie Ryan of Wasilla was born January 29, 1973, to Harry Jackson "Jack" Taylor and Nancy Marie Taylor in Anchorage, AK. She lived in Eagle River with her family until 1975 when her family moved to Wasilla. She attended Snowshoe Elementary and Cottonwood Elementary school, Wasilla Jr High School and graduated from Wasilla High School in 1991. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in General Science degree in 1995 from Seattle Pacific University. In 2000 she earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Western Oregon University. She started her teaching career at palmer Jr. Middle School. Over the next 27 years she taught at Wasilla Middle School, Iditarod Elementary School, Colony Middle School, Teeland Middle School and Joe Redington Sr. Junior, Senior High School. She also coached volleyball the entire time (6th grade thru varsity high school). After retiring from the classroom, she became a mentor through the Alaska Statewide Mentorship Program, where she worked along side first and second year teachers as well as new to Alaska teachers in all the communities of the Seward Peninsula, Unalakleet, Chevak, Glennallen and Glacier View Elementary School.
In 1995, she was married to Jason Ryan of Wasilla. Together they had two children, Taylor Barton in 1999, and Walker Ryan in 2002. In 2021, she welcomed a son-in-law into her family, Jacob Barton, and a grandson, Parker Barton in 2022.
Liane had three passions in life: teaching, learning and adventuring. She loved working with students (middle schoolers most of all) and helping them discover their very own "ahah" moments. After she retired from the classroom, she continued teaching through the Alaska State Wide Mentorship program. She thoroughly enjoyed coming alongside new members of the education community and helping them discover their own path forward. Liane believed learning was a life long journey both in the classroom or outside. In the last three years she tried to learn as much as she could about the customs and cultures of communities she served. Her adventurous spirit kept her on the move at all times. The back of her car was always full of at least two sets of weather appropriate (you never know if your adventure buddy might borrow) clothing at all times. Want to go for a hike, let me change shoes! Above all she loved shining the light of Christ to those around her. She will be truly missed by all that knew her.
She is survived by her father, Harry "Jack" Taylor and mother, Nancy Taylor of Wasilla. Her sister, Jeannie Stukey of Powell, WY and brother, Chris Taylor of Wasilla. She is also survived by her husband, Jason Ryan and their children: daughter, Taylor Barton, son-in-law, Jacob Barton, grandson, Parker Barton; and son, Walker Ryan, all from Wasilla.
The Celebration of Life was held at Wasilla Bible Church, Saturday the 15th. It was beautiful.
Published by Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman from Feb. 24 to Feb. 28, 2025.