Donna Mann Ryan, age 85, died Tuesday, October 18, 2016.  Donna was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, September 25, 1931, the daughter of Dorothy Smith Mann and Walter Hugh Mann.  She graduated from the University of Oklahoma where she was a member of Alpha Phi.  She married M. Don Ryan on November 16, 1951.  They lived in Norman, Oklahoma where she was secretary to the University of Oklahoma's Counselor of Women.  They moved to Dallas, and then to Denton in 1963.

Donna was active in University Affairs at Texas Woman's University since coming to Denton with her husband, Dr. M. Don Ryan, former Chairman of TWU's Department of Communication Sciences.  She served as President of TWU Faculty Wives, worked with Denton University Fortnight, and helped with Homecoming activities.  Donna was appointed by TWU President Mary Evelyn Huey as Executive Director of the TWU National Alumnae Association in September of 1981 and retired in 1998.  Donna's other volunteer activities included serving as President of Hope Cottage Auxiliary, Sunday school teacher at Saint David of Wales Episcopal Church, Treasurer for Denton Benefit League and volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

She was preceded in death by her husband, M. Don Ryan, and her son, Todd Ryan.  Survivors include daughter, Allison Bassler and husband Bill; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Ryan; granddaughter, Brenna May and husband Jerry; grandson, Blaine Bassler; brother, Allen Mann and wife Ann; and brother, David Mann and wife Marche Ann.

A funeral service will be held at Saint David of Wales Episcopal Church at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2016, 623 Ector Street, Denton, Texas 76201.  A reception will follow the service in the parish hall.

Memorials may be made to the Donna Ryan Scholarship through the TWU Foundation at P. O. Box 425618, Denton, Texas 76204 or to Saint David of Wales Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 623 Ector Street, Denton, Texas 76201.