Author: Natalie Ryan
Born: 12 March 1966
Died: 30 December 2021
Bio: Natalie Zan Ryan was born in and spent her early childhood in Big Spring, Texas, but moved to her Ryan grandparents’ ranch ten miles outside town in Luther, Texas, where she rode horses, drove tractors, and helped her grandfather tend cattle. In 2003, Natalie graduated with honors from Angelo State University with a Master of Arts in English, and joined Angelo State University’s faculty in 2004 as an English professor, a position she held until her death. Her love of writing inspired her young students and gave her much satisfaction knowing she made a difference in their lives.

She was an avid traveler to Europe and Asia, and she returned to her ancestral country of Ireland several times. Also a gifted writer, Natalie was completing a novel as well as coauthoring several books at the time of her passing. She was witty, gutsy, extremely loyal, exceptionally intelligent, and always the life of the party. With her beautiful face, radiant blue eyes, and unforgettable Texas accent, she was a force of nature who never let adversity hold her back.

Source: [Author obituary](https://npwelch.com/obituary/natalie-zan-ryan/)