She was born in Weir, Texas, on Jan. 23, 1933, to the late Vester Bruce and Adelle (Preuss) Cherry. She graduated from Taylor High School May 1950, and wed Edward Allen Ryan on June 26, 1950. They were married 59 years.

She worked at Southwestern Bell, Taylor Bedding and for First Taylor National Bank for 27 years and City National Bank for five years. Sewing was her passion, and she was a master seamstress, making and altering cheerleading, twirling and high-stepper uniforms for high school girls, sewing patches on letter jackets and police/ fire uniforms and making/ altering countless wedding, bridesmaid and prom dresses until the end of 2023.

She continued to alter everyday clothing for Taylor residents until her death.

Vesta accepted Jesus as her savior at the Christian Church in Orange, Texas, and was a faithful witness for Jesus Christ during her life. She said her desires as she was growing up were to be a teacher, a nurse and a missionary, and she fulfilled all of those roles, teaching her children well; nursing scrapes, bruises, broken bones and childhood diseases; serving as a hospice volunteer; and finally going on a mission trip to Uganda in her mid-80s to teach people how to sew and pass their knowledge and abilities on to future generations. She also generously gave to missions as she was able. Survivors include her children, Diana Abbott (Mike), Gary Ryan (Terry) and Donna Alston (Robert); grandchildren Jonathan Fife, Brian Fife, Missy Leventhal (David), Matt Ryan (Lilly), Jacob Alston and Rebeckah Crye; 16 great-grandchildren and two bonus grandchildren; they called her “Mamaw” and “Grammy.”

Visitation was Friday, Sept. 13, at Condra Funeral Home, 503 Talbot St. in Taylor, followed by a funeral service. Her son-inlaw, Mike Abbott, and grandson-in-law, David Leventhal, officiated. Interment was at Taylor City Cemetery following the service. Pallbearers were Jonathan Fife, James Fife, Matt Ryan, Jacob Alston, David Leventhal and Timothy Leventhal.

Vesta loved her community and helped those she could throughout her life in Taylor. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be sent to the city of Taylor, Taylor Fire Department Red Santa Program at 400 Porter St., Taylor, Texas 76574, to help provide gifts to those in need during the Christmas season.