Ellen Ann (Lembke) Ryan

Ellen Ann Lembke Ryan claimed her angel wings on November 29, 2022. She was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on August 6, 1924 to Charles H. and Ruth "Bunnie" (Tompkins) Lembke. Ellen Ann was very close to her sister, Lois Lembke Benedict, who predeceased her. She considered her greatest accomplishment to be those who will survive her and carry on her legacy, her four children: Ann (Ryan) Prinz, Leigh Ryan, Thomas P. Ryan, Jr., and Sheila (Ryan) Hunter; son-in-law, Todd Hunter; daughter-in-law, Susan Ryan; her five grandchildren: Madeline Hunter, Ryan Hunter, Thomas P. "Patrick" Ryan III, Bridget Ryan, and Caitlin Ryan; her nephew, Jeffrey Benedict (Denise Benedict); and great nephew, Julian Benedict. She treasured spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren. She actively followed their academic and athletic achievements and regularly brought the whole family together to celebrate her birthday in locations across the country. Ellen Ann thrived at the original Sandia School, graduating in 1941. Next, she excelled at the University of New Mexico, graduating in 1944, with a BA in Arts and Sciences. While at UNM, Ellen Ann was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and she remained an active KKG alumna throughout her life, including being honored recently for 80 years of membership. During her senior year at UNM, she was the first female President of the UNM Student Body. Ellen Ann was a founding member of the Albuquerque chapter of the Junior League in 1948, and served as President of the chapter from 1962 to 1963. Ellen Ann married Thomas P. Ryan in 1949, and Tom subsequently joined Lembke Construction Company. While raising their four children, Ellen Ann remained highly active in the community, serving on the Board of the United Way, Family Consulting Services, and other local charitable organizations. She even found time to star in productions at the Albuquerque Little Theater. Ellen Ann was a founding member of the Board of Trustees of the newly reconstituted Sandia School, now known as Sandia Preparatory School. She remained on the Board of Trustees at Sandia Prep until 1978, serving as Board Chair from 1968 to 1972, and later became an Honorary Trustee. She took immense pride in the fact that three generations of her family graduated from Sandia Prep. Ellen Ann relished traveling. She and her husband traveled frequently in the US and internationally during Tom's leadership positions with the Albuquerque chapter of the Associated General Contractors, the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. After Tom died in 2001, Ellen Ann became reacquainted with a childhood friend, Colonel Tom Rogers, who was then an Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Duke University, under Coach K. This rekindled relationship gave her continued opportunities to travel with family, friends, and the Duke Men's Basketball team! Ellen Ann was a long-time subscriber to music and theater presentations in Albuquerque, including the New Mexico Philharmonic, Popejoy Presents, and the Albuquerque Little Theater. She also stayed socially active with her friends at Red Hat get-togethers, her EOA dining group, annual Leo parties, a monthly Movie Group and occasional Bridge Club gatherings. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Ellen Ann's memory to Sandia Preparatory School. (Payable to Sandia Preparatory School, Attention Julie Cook, 532 Osuna Boulevard, Albuquerque, NM 87113). Please join us for a celebration of Ellen Ann's life on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 2:00 p.m. at the Alumni Memorial Chapel at UNM. Please use the link below, Alumni Spaces, Chapel information, Floor plan, Parking, Usage, Chapel Parking for a map of UNM campus. www.unmalumni.com. Ellen Ann's family would like to thank all the people who generously cared for Ellen Ann, including staff from Albuquerque Country Club, Popejoy Hall, UNM, the New Mexico Philharmonic, Sandia Prep, her caregivers and drivers, as well as her many friends. It was an honor to be a part of the village that took care of her, and we appreciate your care of and friendship with her over the years. Please visit our online guestbook for Ellen Ann at www.FrenchFunerals.com.

FRENCH - Lomas
10500 Lomas Blvd. NE
505-275-3500
www.frenchfunerals.com