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Katherine Ryan Stribling
Jan 28, 1937 — Oct 19, 2026
Columbia
Katherine Ryan Stribling
Katherine Ryan Stribling, 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 19, 2026.
Katherine, affectionately known as “Kaki” to her family, was born on January 28, 1937, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Joseph Murphy Ryan and Alice Haynsworth Ryan. She graduated from Greenville High School and Converse College.
A longtime resident of Columbia, Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Cherry Davis Stribling; her brother, Joseph Murphy Ryan Jr.; and her sister, Rhoda Ryan Proffitt.
She is survived by her three children, Ryan Stribling and Dave Stribling, both of Columbia, and Katherine Howell (Shawn) of Mount Pleasant, SC. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Grayson Stribling of West Palm Beach, FL, and Reese Howell and Murphy Howell of Charleston, SC.
Katherine was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Junior League of Columbia. She treasured the friendships she made throughout her life and enjoyed playing cards, participating in her book club, and gathering with friends for steak club. She especially loved spending time at Litchfield Beach, where she enjoyed being surrounded by family and making lasting memories.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caregivers at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, especially those in the Rose Garden Community, where Katherine resided for seven years, and the Jane Bruce Guignard Skilled Nursing Center, where she spent her final three months. The love, kindness, and compassion they showed Katherine went far beyond caregiving. They embraced her as family, affectionately calling her “Kat,” and surrounded her with warmth, comfort, and unwavering support. Her family will be forever grateful for the exceptional care and genuine affection she received.
A private funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Katherine’s memory.
Katherine, affectionately known as “Kaki” to her family, was born on January 28, 1937, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Joseph Murphy Ryan and Alice Haynsworth Ryan. She graduated from Greenville High School and Converse College.
A longtime resident of Columbia, Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Cherry Davis Stribling; her brother, Joseph Murphy Ryan Jr.; and her sister, Rhoda Ryan Proffitt.
She is survived by her three children, Ryan Stribling and Dave Stribling, both of Columbia, and Katherine Howell (Shawn) of Mount Pleasant, SC. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Grayson Stribling of West Palm Beach, FL, and Reese Howell and Murphy Howell of Charleston, SC.
Katherine was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Junior League of Columbia. She treasured the friendships she made throughout her life and enjoyed playing cards, participating in her book club, and gathering with friends for steak club. She especially loved spending time at Litchfield Beach, where she enjoyed being surrounded by family and making lasting memories.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caregivers at Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, especially those in the Rose Garden Community, where Katherine resided for seven years, and the Jane Bruce Guignard Skilled Nursing Center, where she spent her final three months. The love, kindness, and compassion they showed Katherine went far beyond caregiving. They embraced her as family, affectionately calling her “Kat,” and surrounded her with warmth, comfort, and unwavering support. Her family will be forever grateful for the exceptional care and genuine affection she received.
A private funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia, followed by interment at Elmwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Katherine’s memory.
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