Mary Kathleen Ryan Carriker

Mary Kathleen Carriker MD, a pioneering Phoenix ophthalmologist, passed away on August 12, 2026 at the age of 87.

Kathy was born November 6, 1938, in Janesville, Wisconsin to Mary Knoppe Ryan and John Ryan. She spent part of her childhood in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where she graduated from high school in 1956. She later moved to Phoenix, beginning a career in medicine that would span decades.

After beginning her career as a nurse, Kathy returned to school, earning a B.S. in zoology from Arizona State University. She married Frederick Carriker, MD in 1965 and had twin daughters, Laura and Linda in 1966. She graduated with her M.D. from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 1968. She went on to specialize in ophthalmology and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology in 1976.

In 1983, Kathy opened the Carriker Eye Center in Phoenix. She became Phoenix’s first board-certified female ophthalmologist and served as president of the Phoenix Ophthalmology Society. She was active in multiple professional organizations throughout her career, including the Arizona Medical Association, Maricopa County Medical Society, American Medical Association, and American College of Eye Surgeons. She also volunteered her medical services to elderly and handicapped residents who had difficulty traveling for care.

Those who knew Dr. Carriker professionally remembered her for her knowledge, kindness, and commitment to her patients. Her career was marked by both professional achievement and a willingness to make eye care accessible to people in her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary and John Ryan; her brother, Richard “Rick” Ryan; her sister, Geraldine “Geri” Moseley, and her aunt, Mary Ellen Butler.

She is survived by her brother, Theodore “Ted” Ryan and his wife, Claudeen Ryan; her daughters, Linda Carriker Schlenker and Laura Carriker; and her grandchildren, Emma Schlenker, Matthew Schlenker, Grace (Schlenker) Smith, and Bella Carriker.

Family requests memorial donations be made to Huger Mercy Living Center in lieu of flowers. Gifts can be made at www.SupportStJosephs.org, designate "area of greatest need" and add "Huger Mercy Living Center" in the comments section. Checks may be mailed to St. Joseph's Foundation, please write Huger Mercy Living Center in memo. St Joseph Foundation, ATTN: Huger Mercy Living Center Fund, 124 W. Thomas Rd., Suite 250, Phoenix, AZ 85013.