Barbara Lee Ryba, 74 of Nashville, passed away at 7:35 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2013 in the emergency department at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.  She was born on June 29, 1939 in Quincy, the daughter of Robert Wayne and Helen Elizabeth Hollister Canfield.  She married William “Ray” Ryba and he preceded her in death.  Also preceding her in death were her parents, a son; Robert James Pate and a brother; Charles Canfield.  Left to mourn her passing is a son; Carson Lee Pate of Nashville and 5 grandchildren; Carson Seaver Pate, Pasha Passion Pate, Colton Wellington Pate and Robert and Heidi Pate.

Barbara was a member of Grace United Methodist church in Nashville.  She retired as a secretary with Ralston Purina in St. Louis and later worked at All Mart in Nashville as a sales clerk.  She was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and worked as a Republican Election Judge for Beaucoup and Pilot Knob Townships in Washington County.  She enjoyed bowling and horses.

An anatomical donation was made to St. Louis University School of Medicine.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27th at Grace United Methodist church in Nashville with Rev.’s John Prather and Jeff Canfield officiating.  A dinner will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.  There will be no visitation.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested.  Styninger Funeral Home in Nashville is in charge of arrangements.

 Service Information