Ryan Leigh Manion, age 50, of Portland formerly of Helena

Ryan Leigh Manion, a vibrant and compassionate soul, was born on October 26, 1974, in the small town of Chester, Montana. Ryan passed away peacefully on November 8, 2024, at the age of 50, after a two-year battle with metastatic breast cancer.

Growing up, Ryan’s early years were spent in East Helena, Montana, where she laid the foundation of her education. Her middle school and early high school years in Helena, Montana, and her time at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho, were formative, with Ryan actively engaging in both academics and extracurricular activities. She made her mark as a dedicated softball player and delighted in playing the saxophone in the high school band. Ryan’s zest for life and her passion for learning carried her across the globe to Italy during her junior year as an exchange student. This experience sparked a lifelong love for languages and culture, and she became fluent in both Italian and Spanish. It was during this time that Ryan’s interest in fashion emerged, becoming a cherished hobby throughout her life.

Ryan’s pursuit of higher education led her to Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, where she not only earned her associate degree but also served as the Student Body President, demonstrating her leadership skills. One of her favorite achievements at Cottey was being selected First Chair saxophonist in the Symphony Orchestra. She furthered her studies at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, receiving a bachelor’s degree in international relations and Spanish.

Ryan’s sense of adventure took her to China, where she taught English to young students, immersing herself in a new culture and learning Mandarin. Her time there was a testament to her resilience as she faced the challenges of the SARS outbreak, navigating her way back to the West Coast of the United States.

In 2004, Ryan married Derrick Roberson, a union that blessed them with two sons, Jackson Miles and James Oliver Roberson. Though Ryan and Derrick later divorced, they remained partners in parenting, nurturing their boys with love and support. Ryan’s life was a testament to her unyielding spirit, as she passionately advocated for social justice issues. She worked on and managed several political campaigns and loved to engage anyone willing in vibrant debates and discussions.

As a Certified Personal Trainer, Ryan found joy and purpose in helping others achieve their fitness goals, working with clients at various health clubs. Her active intellect, sense of humor, and generous spirit touched many lives. She had a gift for making friends at each stage of her life. One of her close friends wrote recently, “I will never forget her passion for protecting others, fighting for the politicians she believed in, her love of her boys, skill with make-up, and her sense of humor.”

Ryan leaves behind a family deeply loved, including her two sons, Jackson, and Oliver of Portland, their father Derrick of Portland, mother, Kathleen Hunthausen of East Helena, Montana; her father, Jim Manion, (Lisa) of Boise, Idaho; her sister Katie M. Manion (Freddie Barron), along with nieces Gracie and Josie in East Helena, Montana. Her extended family includes her step-sister Alex Behrend (John) in Boise; step-brothers Nik Edens of Boise, and Dr. Ryan Edens (Kelly) of Spokane, WA. Ryan was surrounded by a wider circle of family, many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins she always looked forward to spending time with.

Ryan Leigh Manion’s life was a tapestry of adventure, learning, and the pursuit of justice. We invite all who were touched by Ryan’s spirit to join us in honoring her life at a funeral Mass to be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Thursday August 7, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Community 1700 Missoula Avenue in Helena. A reception will follow in the social center of the church, located in the lower level of the church. Burial will be at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena following the reception.

Ryan will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Ryan’s family would like to thank the Kaiser Permanente Health System of Portland. There were many involved in her care, and they did so with tenderness and kindness. Special thanks to the Oncology Department, Palliative Care, and Hospice Care.

An ‘Achieve College 529 Savings Plan’ has been set up for Jackson and Oliver. Contributions in Ryan’s name may be made by check to the Plan Administrator,  Kathleen Hunthausen, P.O. Box 645, East Helena, MT 59635.

Service Schedule

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

Thursday August 7, 2025

St. Mary Catholic Community

1700 Missoula Avenue

Helena, MT 59601

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Reception

Immediately following the Funeral Mass

Thursday August 7, 2025

Lower level of the church

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Burial

Following the Reception estimated time 1:45 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Thursday August 7, 2025

St. Ann's Cemetery

East Helena, Montana

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