Stephen Goodenough Ryan

We are sad to announce the passing of the Honorable Stephen G. Ryan on July 18, 2023. He passed peacefully, in his home and with his family. Steve was born on June 9, 1948, in Washington, D.C. He was one of four children (Jane, Meg and Abigail) born to Stephen & Ruth (Ryan). He is survived by his wife Margarita Lopez and children, Julio Ryan, Austin Ryan, Jolene Barbee, Nicole Jones and Michael Barbee. He also had one granddaughter, Charli Barbee. Steve graduated from Kenyon College (Gambier, OH) with high honors in 1969. He played football all through high school and college. He was even offered a full football scholarship, but chose a Merit Scholarship instead after realizing that was his true passion. Steve graduated from Georgetown Law School in 1977. He passed the bar exam in four states: DC, CA, CO, and NM. After graduation, Steve clerked for a Federal Judge in Georgetown. He then worked for a prestigious law firm in DC, which in turn led him to London, where he resided for a period of time. Steve would travel the globe representing clients, some as far as Saudi Arabia, until he decided he wanted to seek legal work with an even higher purpose. He relocated to northern NM, Gallup/Farmington area to practice Legal Aid Law in 1985. After a few years he accepted a position as Assistant City Attorney in Las Cruces, NM. Later he would be elected to the bench as a Municipal Court Judge. He loved being on the bench and serving the citizens of Las Cruces. After leaving the bench, Steve opened his own private practice as a criminal defense attorney. Later he would work for the Law Office of the Public Defender in Las Cruces. He was also an Adjunct Professor at NMSU for many years where he taught Criminal Evidence. Steve was a born teacher; in and out of the classroom. Steve spoke four languages including: German, Russian and Spanish. His love of Spanish and Mexico is what eventually led him to his wife, and the love of his life, Maggie. They enjoyed their second home in Mexico, as well as each other, for decades. He was a history and sports buff (Cubs & Packers diehard fan), a true Mensa with an extraordinarily high IQ and memory recall. Steve was the family encyclopedia before we could ask Google. He seemed to know it all but relayed his knowledge kindly, with humor, to everyone he taught. He was always a generous teacher. Often called a Renaissance Man, he was gregarious with a wide circle of friends and endless travel stories to tell. Steve was an avid birder, and a lover of all dogs. Even when traveling, the local dogs would inevitably befriend him. Truly unforgettable, you left your mark. Stephen "Steve" Ryan, YOU were loved and you will be sorely missed by your family, friends, students, and colleagues. Go pack go! Services are scheduled to begin at 9:30 am on Saturday, August 5, 2023 with a visitation, followed by rosary at 11:00 am and service at 11:30 am, at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001. First Visitation
Saturday, August 5, 2023 9:30am - 11:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001






Service Information
Saturday, August 5, 2023 11:30am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001






Rosary Service
Saturday, August 5, 2023 11:00am,
Getz Funeral Home Chapel

1410 E. Bowman Ave.
Las Cruces, NM 88001