Barbara "Babs" Ann Ryan

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Barbara “Babs” Ann Barber Ryan, who passed away on March 28, 2025, at the age of 79, at Arbor Hills in Lakeland, Florida. Barbara was a beloved mother, Mimi (grandmother), sister, and friend who touched the hearts of everyone she met with her kindness, warmth and unwavering generosity.

Babs was born on March 14, 1946, in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was adopted at birth by the late Bernice and Clarence Barber. She grew up in a close-knit family in Haines City, Florida, one of Polk County’s founding families, where she developed a love for reading, learning and the great outdoors. Barbara was a proud graduate of Haines City High School, class of 1964, and later studied at Polk State College and Jones College.

On April 25th, 1964, Babs married the love of her life, the late Tommy Tarver Ryan. Together they created a family filled with laughter, love and support. Barbara was a devoted wife and mother, and her nurturing spirit was evident in everything she did. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother, always making everyone around her feel as if they were her favorite!

Babs’ career was marked by her dedication and strong work ethic, she was known for staying on the cutting edge of the latest technologies and educating Florida’s teachers on how to best utilize them in the classrooms. She worked throughout Florida with the Department of Education for over 30 years and retired in 2005.

Beyond her work, Barbara was an active member of her community. She volunteered at the local Hospice, assisted neighbors with their technology needs and gave rides for their medical appointments, helped organize events and was a strong advocate. Her compassion extended to everyone she met, and she always made time to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand.

Barbara is survived by her children, Kraig (Lisa) Ryan of Perry, FL, Kelly (Suzanne) Ryan of Haines City, FL and Elizabeth Ryan (widow to Kevin Ryan) of Perry, FL; her beloved grandchildren, Kalynn Wachs, Kyle Ryan, Cheyenne Ryan, Kearston Ryan, Tommy Ryan, Cordilia Stevons, Marlena Lopez, and William Cockroft; and her great-grandchildren, Conner, Karter, Kristopher, Karson, Kynlee, Kandy, Kyleigh, Landyn, Amelia, Brandon and Benjamin. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings, John Barber, Kate Gioglio, Stacey Deena and Veronica Powers.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Ryan; her son, Kevin Ryan; and her parents, Bernice More Barber and Clarence Barber.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at a later date. Barbara’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion. She will be dearly missed, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched. Please leave a story or memory you have here.