12/05/2025
Patricia “Pat” Ryan, San Marcos Academy Class of 1961, passed away on November 13, 2025.
Born in Houston, to Robert and Deborah Gibler-Ryan, Pat attended both primary and middle school there prior to entering San Marcos Academy at mid-term in 1957 for high school. During each of her three and one-half years at the Academy, she participated in the Cue and Curtain Club and on the Honeybear Volleyball team. She was elected president of the Cue and Curtain Club and was named Captain of the “B” team for Volleyball. Pat served as Recording Secretary on the Student Council, Assistant Editor of the Laurel, and Staff Sponsor of the First Battle Group. She was also a member of the Phi Social Club and was elected Best Phi Sister her senior year. As recorded in the 1961 Crest, Pat attended the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, CA, as one of the "Ladies for Lyndon." Pat’s fondest memory of San Marcos Academy, the time she and her friends spent getting demerits her freshman year, was mentioned in the Senior Spotlight column of the San Marcos Academy Laurel.
After attending college at the University of Texas, Pat began her career in Houston, Texas. She made her mark as a successful real estate agent. During the late 1980’s, Pat decided to purchase a ranch in the hill country. She accomplished her dream in 1990 with the purchase of a ranch in Kendall County Texas. Pat showed Morgan horses, which she also raised, trained, and bred on her ranch. Her Morgan show horses won five world championships and numerous other prestigious awards. In addition, Pat sold Morgan horses, boarded horses for others, and raised cattle and ostriches.
Pat operated several businesses in Blanco in the 1990’s maintaining a ranch office in Blanco. In 2014 the ranch office was housed in the Blanco Pioneer Museum. Pat participated in several organizations and clubs in Blanco, including the Blanco Woman’s Club, the GEM of the Hills, the Yucca Garden Club, the Lindale Community Association, and the Blanco Library Board. Pat was a member of the Board of Directors of Blue Bell Ice Cream beginning in 1996 and serving for almost two decades. Pat served her San Marcos Academy community as a Lifetime Member of the San Marcos Academy Alumni Association and an At-Large member of the Alumni Council for several terms.
Over the years, Pat opened her ranch to many groups and individuals. She sponsored a field trip for San Marcos Academy equestrian and 4H studentsand offered a standing invitation to sponsor future field trips. Pat sponsored the San Marcos Academy Ryan Ranch Reunion in 2001. Beginning in 2003 and though 2021 the Ryan Ranch sponsored an annual reunion for 1957 through 1964 San Marcos Academy graduates. Besides providing housing for 20 to 30 graduates and their spouses, the ranch provided the Friday and Saturday evening meals and breakfast on Sunday morning. An invitation to attend the Ryan Ranch reunion was extended to the San Marcos Academy leadership each year. For her dedication and service to San Marcos Academy and to her classmates, Pat was presented the J.M. Carroll Award in 2014.
Her classmates memorialized Pat by describing her as “one of the most humble individuals I have ever known.” “Pat exemplified success, grace, and generosity imbued by the Academy.” “Pat was a very special lady. She was truly one of a kind. Her heart was as big as all outdoors, beautiful on the inside and out.“ “Pat was a very kind person with a heart of gold. She was a true friend and confidant.“
Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ryan Ranch, Ranch Road 1888, Blanco, Texas. Reception to follow. Pat’s obituary can be found at https://www.crofts-crowfuneralhome.com/obituary/patricia-ryan
