Sarah Ryan (20 October 1724 – 17 August 1768) was a Methodist charity worker, best known for her controversial early life and for her charity work. Ryan was often criticized by her fellow Methodists because of her three 'marriages'. Despite her tarnished reputation, Ryan was very active in the Methodist Church. Notably, Ryan co-founded a Methodist orphanage/school named The Cedars with Mary Bosanquet Fletcher. Ryan's work at The Cedars was highly praised by John Wesley, the co-founder of Methodism.