In Memory

Beverly Conrad (Ryman) - Class Of 1946

Beverly Conrad (Ryman)

Beverly Jean Ryman passed away on August 3, 2014 at The Peninsula Regent surrounded by her children Bruce (Sharon) Singleton, Debbie Anderson-Smith, and Carolyn (Dennis) Sullivan; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

Bev was an avid adventurer known for her bright, ready smile, boundless energy, fun-loving spirit, volunteerism, entertaining positive outlook, and beauty. Beverly Conrad grew up in San Marino, graduating from South Pasadena High School prior to matriculating at Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. It was in Missouri that Bev met her first husband, Charles Singleton; they were married in Pasadena in 1948 and in 1955 they, along with their three children, moved to Millbrae, California.

Returning to college to obtain her teaching credential, Bev graduated with honors at San Francisco State University in 1961 and began her career teaching first grade. She received favorable attention for her results in teaching beginning readers and was asked to develop and teach a specialized program for students experiencing difficulties with reading. She designed and taught her Remedial Reading Program and then replicated the successful program at several school sites in the South San Francisco Unified School District until her retirement from teaching in 1988.

Six years after her first marriage ended, Bev married Dale Ryman of Woodside, California. Bev and Dale enjoyed 23 years of marriage. They traveled all over the world on foot, by cruise ship, plane, train, and horseback. Widowed in 2000, Bev moved from Woodside to The Peninsula Regent in San Mateo where she resided until her death. While at the Regent, Bev served as an "Ambassador" to new Regent members; escorting newcomers through the grounds and facilities, joining them for their first meals and making introductions to other residents.

Beverly Ryman was a woman of many interests. An avid and capable horsewoman since childhood, she rode in Hunter Jumper Equestrian events, trained young thoroughbreds, excelled at Dressage, and also enjoyed a relaxing trail ride through the hills surrounding Stanford University. She was a founding member of The California Dressage Society and president for a term. In addition to horses, Bev enjoyed dancing with The Starlighters, hiking with The Peninsula Jewish Community Center, attending the ballet, political, cultural, and literacy speaker series, and played golf with her friends and family. She volunteered her time with many community, charitable, and cultural organizations. She maintained a full calendar of trips, events, and activities. In her quiet moments at home, she was a gourmet cook, voracious reader, and produced exquisite needlepoint.

Beverly Conrad Ryman was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; devoted sister to Geraldine (Robert) Landi (SPHS '49) of Las Vegas, Nevada and the late Constance Cottle ((SPHS '48).

San Francisco Chronicle, August 10, 2014