Evelyn Maeve Ryan

Evie (they/them), 23, of Roseville, Minnesota died in Rochester, Minnesota on February 7, 2024 after five weeks of deeply compassionate medical care by the world-renowned experts at the Mayo Clinic from the complications of post-transplant related lymphoma.

Evie was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota on June 25, 2000 to Ing-Mari Gahr and Dennis Ryan. They received a new heart and Gift of Life in Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 17, 2004. Evie’s special heart was their great pride and led to countless experiences and opportunities over its 20 years. Although having a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) did not solely define Evie, it was a significant part of their identity and inspired so much good that Evie shared with the world.

Evie learned exceptional resilience early on in life by persevering through six open heart surgeries and many procedures, hospital stays, and recoveries. They found so much joy in the staff at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, was the recipient of the 500th heart transplant in 2004, and was honored to break ground at the new hospital location that opened its doors in 2011.  

Evie attended Roseville Lutheran Nursery, Roseville Early Childhood, Falcon Heights Elementary, Roseville Area Middle, and Roseville Area High Schools. They graduated in 2019 where Evie was active in choir and theater. Evie was a fierce advocate for communicating what they needed at every hospital or clinic visit and was studying to be a Child and Family Life Specialist. Evie was currently attending Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, was close to finishing a B.A. degree, and was eager to pursue the final steps ready to advocate for other young patients that were experiencing complex medical situations. 

Evie’s creative spirit produced countless pages of writing, beautiful crocheted and knit garments, sewing projects, paintings, and so much more. Evie loved music and singing – especially Broadway musicals. Their siblings can attest that literally any conversation with Ev had some kind of mention of musicals – or John Green. Evie loved stories and read voraciously while planning to write books to help the patients they intended to serve. What Evie created was often given to friends and family with much love. Evie spread these gifts with generosity while serving the youth and families at Como Park Lutheran Church as well as at Camp Odayin.

Evie’s closest friends have always been – and will always be – found at our beloved Camp Odayin. Odayin is the single most influential part of Evie’s life and provided the safest, most inspiring moments for which we are immeasurably grateful. Evie served as a counselor and was active in the alumni group since “graduating” from camp. Throughout their life, Evie also cared for many little people and animals and was a highly sought after sitter for both children and pets. Evie’s siblings, Hugh and Frances, were their most precious and trusted best friends. The bond among them is unconditionally pure, beautiful, and forever.

Evie will always be remembered for their bravery and fearless nature whether related to their heart or just walking their one-of-a-kind path through life. Nothing highlights this more than a day during Evie’s final hospital stay at the Mayo Clinic. Ev was sent to get a PET scan for the first time ever and their immediate thought was of helping others. Evie shared, “I’ve never had one of these! Now I’ll be able to explain what they are like to the kids I work with that have cancer.” We know that the biopsy of Evie’s lymphoma will lead to research at Mayo by the world’s leading experts studying this form of cancer. Our appreciation for all who cared for us at Mayo is unending.

Evie was so good. They were always the reliable “Ryan Representative” at family gatherings and relished each event, party, and conversation. A daughter, sister, grandchild, niece, cousin, and dear friend, Evie will be missed forever. Their memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved them. 

Evie was preceded in death by Grandpa Richard Joseph Gahr, and is survived by parents Ing-Mari and Dennis; siblings Hugh and Frances; Auntie Pam Gahr, Uncle Erik, and Cousin Rosie Hobbie; Aunt Julie, Uncle Eric, and Cousin Meg McNamar; Grandma Sheila Gahr; Grandma Ann and Grandpa John Ryan; Godmother Gail Nelson and Godfather John Hughes. Evie loved all our extended family, great aunts and uncles, cousins, etc. with a fervor and they loved Evie right back. 

Visitation will be held at Mueller-Bies Funeral Home (Roseville) on Tuesday, February 13 from 4:00 - 8:00 pm. 

Mueller-Bies Funeral Home

2130 N Dale Street

Roseville, MN 55113

A second visitation will be held at Como Park Lutheran Church on Wednesday, February 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 am. Service will be at 11:00 am followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall. Evie would never miss this type of gathering, so we hope you can stay for lunch.

Como Park Lutheran Church

1376 Hoyt Ave W

Saint Paul, MN 55108

Donations to Camp Odayin or Camp Knutson are greatly appreciated. 

 “Maybe there's something you're afraid to say, or someone you're afraid to love, or somewhere you're afraid to go. It's gonna hurt. It's gonna hurt because it matters.”

― John Green  Will Grayson, Will Grayson