Michael Ryan Bethard

In loving memory of Michael Ryan Bethard ("Mikie"), 39 years of age, who passed away suddenly on September 10, 2025.
Michael was born in Kent General Hospital, Dover, Delaware, on July 6, 1986, to Renee Bethard of Townsend, Delaware, and Michael LeClerc of Donnacona, Quebec, Canada. He lived in Smyrna all his life.
He had a sweet smile, a warm heart, a kind soul, incredibly brave, strong, and loyal. He was helpful and thoughtful, always thinking of others – especially those less fortunate. He was humble, appreciative, and grateful for everything he had in life.
Mikie loved all animals, gently nurturing or rescuing those who were in need. He cared for mom's Chihuahuas, Spot and Chi-Chi, little Annie, Dalmation Petie, his special girl "Sassie", and pointer Snoopy. He saved "Kittie", nurtured Anacat, Little Mama, and all her babies!
He enjoyed family gatherings, excited about all the delicious food the family would make.
He loved working with his hands and loved working with his "Pop-Pop" Walt on the farm and going to Dover Downs Casino. He had a talent for drawing and writing.
Mikie loved his mom with all his heart and wanted her to be happy above all else. He loved and respected his stepfather, Todd Tush, and was thankful he was a part of their lives.
He loved his "mom-mom" (Beverly Essick) and enjoyed their visits on holidays and spending time with her, laughing and sharing stories.
Michael deeply loved and cared for his girlfriend of 5 years, Rachel Revello, of Newark, Delaware. She and her parents (Bob and Kim) were a huge part of his life.
He loved and enjoyed talking, texting, and Facebooking his special Aunts (Lanette Bethard and Dawn "Dawnie" Wilson) and his cousins about family, treasures, events, and just keeping in touch.
Michael was predeceased by his Pop-Pop Walt Essick, Pop-Pop Sid Bethard, me-mom Carol Bethard, Great Grandpop Mancill Smith, and Great-grandmom "Nana-E" Eva Smith. He is survived by his girlfriend Rachel Revello, his devoted mother, Renee Bethard, his loving stepfather Todd Tush, grandmother Beverly Essick, Aunt Lanette Bethard (Joe), Uncle Duane Essick (Melissa), Aunt Dawn Wilson (Joe), Aunt Gidget Ewing (Wayne), Uncle Sonny Bethard (Nanette), and many, many special cousins near and far.
Michael is at peace. He will be laid to rest at a private burial, next to his "Pop-Pop" Walt Essick, at the Townsend Cemetery during the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. This symbolizes the "thankfulness" that the family feels for having such a wonderful person in their lives. Mikie will be truly missed.always in our hearts forever !