Carol L. Ryan, 80, of Owensboro, passed away peacefully on Wednesday October 22, 2025 surrounded by her family and close friends. Carol was born April 3, 1945 to Everett and Betty Ponder in Valparaiso, Indiana. She retired from the Daviess County Board of Education as a bus driver. Carol opened O’Charley’s Restaurant and worked there for 12 years. She enjoyed puzzle books and watching Wheel of Fortune.
She was preceded in death by son-in-law, Paul Murphy.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Joey Ryan (Beth), Tracie Ryan Murphy, and Angel Estes (Sam); grandchildren, Logan Ryan, Katie Beard (Jay), Emmalee Richeson, Maggie Fenwick (Dylan), Chase Estes, Zachary Estes (Caitlyn), Luke McCain (Mercedes), and Megan Bankemper (Spencer); great-grandchildren, Zepplin, Everett, Blakely, Brynlee, Lee, Ellis, Hadley, Bennett, Cooper, Hudson, Jack Will, Scottie, Caden, and Lillie; brother, Jeff Dooley (Diane); and many dear friends.
Visitation is from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. There will be no service.