Joanne Ryden

Joanne Juanita Sharp Ryden of Franklin, TN died January 22, 2018. Jo was a lively, sharp-witted, woman, born July 22, 1927 in Ithaca, NY.She caught the eye of her husband, Fred Ward Ryden, MD, while they were students earning bachelor's degrees at University of Colorado, Boulder. Together they moved to Nashville, TN. Jo was a telephone operator and worked in the Vanderbilt University library until she became a mother. Jo followed her creative spirit in designing gardens, quilting, and embroidery. She also attended Middle Tennessee State University to study art. Jo was one of the instigators of the night ride potlucks with participants from Percy Warner Riding Academy in Nashville, TN, and was loved by all the "Barn Bums."Jo is survived by her sons, Dexter Ward, Paul (Lori Miller) Cory and her daughter, Amanda Mary Ryden. She is survived by her grandchildren, Jackson, Tyler, and Anna.Services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on 510 West Main Street, Franklin, TN on Friday, 1 pm, followed by a reception at the church where humorous stories about Jo will be shared.In lieu of flowers please donate to , , , or .