Laura S. Ryan, the daughter of the late William T. and Fannie Hastings Burge, was born in Puxico, Mo., on Jan. 6, 1922, and passed away at her home in Crystal City, Mo., on March 30, 2006, at the age of 84 years.

She had resided in Puxico until moving to Crystal City and opening Stylette Beauty Salon which she operated until 1986. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Crystal City where she often served as usher. She was also a member of the Jefferson County Art Guild, Jefferson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the Horticulture Study Club.

In 1940, she was married to Jerry Patrick Ryan. He preceded her in death in 1995.

Surviving are a daughter, Joy Ryan of St. Louis; three brother-in-laws, Carl Ryan of Puxico, Bryant Ryan of Morehouse and Elmer "Doc" Dunn of Puxico; one sister-in-law, Nola Ryan of Greenville, Texas; 25 nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Tom.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Francis Dunn, Nadine Turnipseed and Lela Fay Gillespie.

Visitation will be held in Festus, Mo., on Monday, April 3, 2006, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Vinyard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2006, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Festus with the Rev. Margie Woods of Festus officiating. Interment will be in the Brown Cemetery near Puxico with Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Puxico in charge of local arrangements.