On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, Sarah Lou Ryan passed away peacefully at home at the age of 82. She was born in Newport News, Virginia, in 1942 at Riverside Hospital. Sarah Lou graduated from Warwick High School in 1960 and attended Louisburg College. She loved animals, Carolina Beach music, as well as the beach.

Sarah Lou married Michael “Mike” Ryan in 1971 and loved to talk about cherished moments with Mike, family, and a host of friends. She enjoyed the years she worked for Noland Company before the birth of her only child, Kristen. Sarah Lou volunteered countless hours at the Animal Aid Society as well as Newport News Public Schools, where she was a room mother and PTA president. She was also awarded the Lifetime PTA membership for her dedication.

Sarah Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Gilbert “Gillie” and Luella Skinner, as well as her two cherished aunts, Henrietta “Sis” Weems and Eunice Flowers. She is survived by her husband, Mike; daughter, Kristen; granddaughter, Gabrielle Lewis; sister, Henrietta Granger and her husband, George “Winn” Granger Jr.; nephew, George “Tray” Granger III, and his wife, Heather Granger.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Animal Aid Society of Hampton (https://www.animalaidsociety.org/).

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.