Davonna Renee Ryan, 50

Davonna Renee Ryan (Vonna) passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, May 18, 2024. She is survived by her husband, Jody Ryan, and the three lights of her life, Jacob Ryan (16), Noah Ryan (14), and Carley Ryan (12). Other loved ones include Davonna's mother, Neva Joy Baird (Haughton, LA), sister Tammy Sadler, and family (Brian, Hunter, and Autumn) of Doyline, LA; Jody's parents Joe and Cheryl Ryan of Whitehall, MT; Jay and Karen Ryan and family (Sierra and Jace) of Casper, WY; and Cara and Trent Bushmaker and family (Isla and Breccan) of Hamilton, MT, as well as many other extended family members.

Vonna, as her friends and family loved to call her, was born in Port Arthur, TX, to Donald and Joy Baird on April 19, 1974. Vonna and her sister were raised in Port Authur but later moved to Haughton, LA, where she attended middle and high school. She later graduated from Northwestern State University-Shreveport as a registered nurse.

Vonna met her match in life, love, and tenacity almost 21 years ago when Jody visited his brother Jay and his family in Shreveport, LA. The "he-said/she-said" invitation to attend a Montana vacation with Jay and Karen months later started their long-distance relationship and eventual marriage. On nothing but love and faith, Vonna moved her life to Montana and put down her roots on the Ryan family farm in Whitehall, bringing a touch of her southern twang that we loved so much. Davonna's love of fishing and maybe Jody's boat was what truly kept her here in the early years, and as time went on, Montana truly became her home and she, our family.

She started her Montana nursing career at the Montana Chemical Dependency Center (MCDC) in Butte, working the floor as a night shift nurse. She drove Homestake Pass at all hours of the day and encountered every conceivable road condition. On her sleepy drive home, she could often be caught napping at the rest area. She dedicated 20 years of service to MCDC, culminating in her role as facility administrator.

Davonna and Jody share three amazing, kind, and loving children. Her whole life revolved around their kids until God took her in his arms and called her home. She dedicated her life to being a hockey mom, football mom, baseball mom, volleyball mom, and any other endeavor to support her children. Davonna fought cancer with unwavering faith and trust in the Lord. Her presence and glow will forever shine through the love and faith she instilled in Jody, Jacob, Noah, and Carley.

Davonna was preceded in death by her father, Donald Ray Baird, grandfather-in-law John Toavs, grandparents-in-law Olive and Dennis Ryan, Uncle Billy K. Baird, Aunt Mattie L. Baird, grandfathers Willard T. Harmon Sr and Homer L. Baird, grandmothers Thelma G. Wright and Norma D. Baird.

The family invites you to a memorial celebration on June 8th at 1 PM at the Copper K Barn, 786 Point of Rocks Road. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the youth sports organization of your choice.