Andrea Ryan

Andrea Leigh (McNeil) Ryan, 39, passed away suddenly at home in Overland Park, Kansas on October 30, 2019. She was born July 25, 1980 in San Diego, California to Douglas and Therese McNeil, who preceded her in death.  Andrea grew up in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Westside High School in 1998.  She went on to attend Northwest Missouri State University where she graduated with a degree in Management Information Systems. It was there she met her then neighbor and future husband, Matt Ryan, after recruiting him to help her move into an apartment. It didn’t take long for the two to realize they were soulmates and, after 9 months of dating, they quickly got engaged. Andrea and Matt were married on August 2, 2003. Five years later, they welcomed their only son Brody who will turn 11 this December. First and foremost, Andrea was a devoted mother and wife who loved and took care of her boys. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them.

Andrea will be remembered for her vivacious personality, contagious laugh, her beautiful smile, her smart mind, and quick wit. Andrea was a planner and whatever Andrea set her mind to, she achieved. She planned and oversaw daily and long-term family goals from finances to family vacations. She kept the family on a routine and enjoyed her weekday mornings with Brody before work and school. She coordinated gatherings and trips for all of the social circles in her life, whether it was vacations with her sister, girls’ nights with her best friends from high school and college, get-togethers with families from Brody’s school and activities, happy hours with work friends, and the list goes on. Andrea was the glue that held everyone together. Even in death, she continues to bring her loved ones together, deepen relationships, and establish new friendships.

Andrea most recently served as a Business Analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City and she loved her job. Her colleagues describe her as dedicated and having a work ethic for all to strive towards. Andrea was ambitious and determined to grow professionally. She excelled in her position and was recently chosen to take part in a prestigious mentoring program transitioning employees into management at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Andrea is survived by her husband Matthew Ryan and son Brody Ryan of the home; her younger sister Brittny Brunning and brother-in-law Dustin Brunning of Fonda, Iowa; grandfather Richard Vaughn of Sun Lakes, Arizona; and her godparents Michael and Patty Vaughn of Plattsmouth, Nebraska. She is also survived by her father-in-law, Michael Ryan of the home; mother-in-law Susan Ryan of Mission, Kansas; sister-in-law Katie Shonkwiler and brother-in-law Bill Shonkwiler of Roeland Park, Kansas; niece Carolyn Shonkwiler and nephew Joey Shonkwiler. Andrea will also be forever loved by her numerous aunts, uncles, extended family and dear friends. Andrea was preceded in death by her mother Therese (Vaughn) McNeil, her father Douglas McNeil, and her grandparents Rita Vaughn, Robert McNeil, and Ione McNeil.

Andrea’s funeral will be held Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Johnson County Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be on Friday, November 8, 2019 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/andrea-ryan-memorial to assist with the Ryan family’s needs and Brody’s future education.