Barbara Ann Ryan Kenyon

July 22, 2025

Barbara Ann Ryan Kenyon, 80, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on April 19, 1945, in Newark, New Jersey, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Joseph Ryan and Laura Marquard Ryan.

A graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, Barbara earned her Bachelor of Science in Education and dedicated her career to teaching children with learning disabilities, particularly at Hillside School in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. Her professional life was defined by patience, kindness, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her loving husband, Bruce Davis Kenyon, her “co-admiral” and partner in life for nearly 59 years. Together, they raised a beautiful family and shared a passion for sailing, a cherished hobby for over three decades. Barbara was the steady helm of her household—graceful, wise, and full of warmth.

She was a woman of deep faith and a committed member of Providence United Methodist Church in Charlotte, where she served as a Stephen Minister and sang joyfully with the Encore Choir. Barbara also gave her time and leadership as the past board chairman of the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library in Old Lyme, Connecticut, reflecting her enduring love for literature and learning.

Barbara is survived by her husband Bruce and their three children: Erin Sanders and her husband Steve of Charlotte, NC, along with their children Morgan, Ryan, and Brynn; Thomas Kenyon and his wife Margaret of Allentown, PA, and their children Catherine, Nathaniel, Caroline, and Eleanor; and Robert Kenyon and his wife Tracie of Austin, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Laura Turton of Cincinnati, OH, and a wonderful extended family.

Known for her empathy, generosity, joy, and humor, Barbara had a gift for making anyone feel welcome. She had a natural ability to strike up conversations with strangers, often leaving them as friends. Her engaging spirit and compassionate heart touched countless lives—whether through her ministry, her teaching, her advocacy, or her everyday kindness.

A memorial serviceto honor Barbara’s life will be held on August 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Providence United Methodist Church, 2810 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211. A reception will follow the service. The memorial service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. You can view the livestream by clicking this link.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Barbara’s memory to Providence UMC’s Stephen Ministry or to the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library.

Barbara’s legacy of love, service, and passion for life will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

 

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Comments

  • Dorie Manley Smith

    Dear Bruce,
    I am heartbroken to learn of Barbara's passing. I will cherish memories if our antics together at Duck River Garden Club and our sailing adventures with Baldwin Yacht Club. You were always a good sport about it all. We did have a lot of fun.
    Bruce, I hope you will find a beautiful place where memories of Barbara will live forever. And I pray that with time, a gentle peace will be yours.
    With sympathy,
    Dorie Manley Smith

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  • Joe and Ellie Susmeyer

    Dear Bruce, We are so very saddened to hear about Barbara. We have many fond memories of spending time with you both at Baldwin events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

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  • Trilla Cook

    I knew Barbara as a kind, caring and fun person, as her son is married to my daughter and they loved her so so very much!! If we had lived in a closer proximity to each other, I know that we could have been the best of friends. I knew her from second hand stories ,but the love that she shared flowed through to my daughter and I thank her for that from the bottom of my heart. ❤️

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  • Barb & Myron Stacks

    Dearest Bruce, Myron and I are so saddened with your loss. Barb was a very special person and close friend. We are relieved that she died peacefully. She will always live in our thoughts and hearts.. .
    Go forward with strength and loving memories?

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  • Don Holmes

    Bruce,
    my deepest condolences to you and your Family. Many great memories of years at Miami and our reunion weekend.
    regards, Don Holmes

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  • Don Holmes

    Bruce,
    My deepest condolences to you and your Family. Many great memories of years at Miami and our reunion weekend.

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  • Tom Hunt

    Dear Bruce,
    My sincere condolences for the passing of Barbara Memories of College life at Miami are cherished. I'll remember Barbara as a beautiful and kind person. This is a sad loss but good Memories.
    Sincerely,

    Tom Hunt

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