Cathy Ann Ryan

Cathy Ann Ryan, age 76, of Forest City, passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025 at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Cathy was born Monday, March 22, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Marvin Little, Sr. and Freda Blangin Little. She owned and operated Timely Cleaning Concepts in the Chicago suburban area for several years and worked as a cashier for Jack Phelan Chevrolet in Berwyn, Illinois. She also worked as a teller at Riverside National Bank. Her greatest passion was being a devoted mother and wife. Cathy whole-heartedly supported her sons motorcycle racing careers. She was lovingly known as “The Race Mom” by all the children and families of the racing community. Cathy spread her love to all the children and was always there for everyone. She was committed to her Catholic Faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Judith Little and nephew, Raun Ryan.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of forty-three years, Tom Ryan; beloved sons, Scott Ryan (Meghan) of Forest City and William “Bill” Ryan of Machesney Park, Illinois; brother, Marvin Little, Jr. of Naples, Florida; nephew, Jeff Little (Florence) of Naples, Florida and a niece, Kelly Ryan of Chicago.

A celebration of Cathy’s life will be conducted for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Road Racing World Action Fund, P.O. Box 1428, Lake Elsinore, CA 92531.