Davonna Renee Ryan

April 19, 1974 — May 18, 2024

Whitehall

Davonna Renee Ryan (Vonna) passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday
May 18, 2024. She is survived by her husband Jody Ryan and the three lights of her life Jacob
Ryan (16), Noah Ryan (14) and Carley Ryan (12). Other loved ones include Davonna’s mother
Neva Joy Baird (Haughton, LA), sister Tammy Sadler and family (Brian, Hunter and Autumn) of
Doyline, LA. Jody’s parents Joe and Cheryl Ryan of Whitehall, MT. Jay and Karen Ryan and
family (Sierra and Jace) of Casper, WY and Cara and Trent Bushmaker and family (Isla and
Breccan) of Hamilton, MT. as well as many other extended family members.

Vonna, as her friends and family loved to call her, was born in Port Arthur, TX to Donald and Joy
Baird on April 19, 1974. Vonna and her sister were raised in Port Authur, later moving to
Haughton, LA where she attended middle school and high school. She later graduated from
Northwestern State University- Shreveport as a registered Nurse.

Vonna met her match in life, love and tenacity almost 21 years ago when Jody visited his
brother Jay and family in Shreveport, LA. The “he-said/she-said” invitation to attend a Montana
vacation with Jay and Karen months later started their long-distance relationship and eventual
marriage. On nothing but love and faith Vonna moved her life to Montana and put down her
roots on the Ryan family farm in Whitehall, bringing a touch of her southern twang that we loved
so much. Davonna’s love of fishing and maybe Jody’s boat were what truly kept her here in the
early years, and as time went on Montana truly became her home and she, our family.

She started her Montana nursing career at the Montana Chemical Dependency Center (MCDC)
in Butte, working the floor as a night shift nurse. She drove Homestake pass at all hours of the
day and encountered every conceivable road condition. She could often be caught napping at
the rest area on her sleepy drive home. She dedicated 20 years of service to MCDC culminating
in her role as Administrator of the facility.

Davonna and Jody share 3 amazing, kind and loving children. Her whole life revolved around
their kids up until the minute God took her in his arms and called her home. She dedicated her
life to being a hockey mom, football mom, baseball mom, volleyball mom and any other
endeavor to support her children. Davonna fought cancer with an unwavering faith and trust in
the Lord. Her presence and glow will forever shine bright through the love and faith that she
instilled in Jody, Jacob, Noah and Carley.

Davonna was preceded in death by her father Donald Ray Baird, Grandfather-in-law John
Toavs, Grandparents-in-law Olive and Dennis Ryan, Uncle Billy K. Baird, Aunt Mattie L. Baird,
Grandfathers Willard T. Harmon Sr and Homer L. Baird, Grandmothers Thelma G. Wright and
Norma D. Baird.

The family invites you to attend a memorial celebration on June 8th at the Copper K Barn, 786
Point of Rocks Road at 1PM. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the youth sports
organization of your choice.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Davonna Renee Ryan, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Memorial Service

Saturday, June 8, 2024

1:00 - 2:00 pm (Mountain time)

The Copper K Barn

786 Point of Rocks Rd, Whitehall, MT 59759

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the youth sports organization of your choice.

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