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Ryan Ritchie Obituary

Ryan Preston Ritchie Ryan Preston Ritchie, 27, died Sunday, January 6, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. Family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. EST today, January 8th, at the Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, Timberlane Road Chapel (850-893-4177). Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, at Culley's MeadowWood Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Melanoma Research Foundation, 170 Township Line Road, Building B, Hillsborough, NJ 08844, or to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Ryan was born in Tallahassee and attended Lincoln High School. Ryan was full of strength and kindness and always provided the best of everything for those around him. Survivors include his father, Glen M. Ritchie; his mother, Brenda Holley (and husband Douglas); his devoted girlfriend, Joanna Hanson; his sister, Sarah Ritchie Tomblin (and husband Daniel); grandparents; William and Marjorie Ritchie and Donald and Carolyn Davis; aunts and uncles, Diane and Marty Ritchie and Linda and Ray Ritchie; a niece, Brianna, and a nephew on the way; and cousins, Jason and Kim Ritchie (and their son Tyler) and Andre' Ritchie; and other family members.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jan. 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Ritchie

Not sure what to say?





Megan Tournay (Russell)

January 17, 2008

I am so saddened to hear about Ryan's passing. I have known Ryan for most of our lives. I went to Gilchrest with him, and graduated from Lincoln also. I have watched him struggle with the cancer this past year, and it broke my heart. He was always so strong, never complained, went with the flow. I hope where he is at now that he is in no pain, and is racing cars and fishing!! My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jeff and Leigh Hatcher

January 15, 2008

Dear Ritchie family,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Ryan was a great guy. We were in the same car club back in 2000-2001. He will be missed.

Bill Boedecker

January 11, 2008

Glenn,
Linda and I are holding you, Aunt Marge, and Uncle Bill in our hearts and prayers.

Jerred and Traci Hopkins

January 11, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am sorry to hear about this, Ryan was an awesome guy.

Bill Laufman

January 10, 2008

My thoughts go out to you and your family. I know how difficult it is to lose a son at a young age as I had two sons taken away before their time. I know you will think of him often and time will soften the pain you feel now.

Crystal Cromartie

January 10, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Ritchie family during this difficult time.

Connie Niehaus

January 10, 2008

Glen, Sarah, Aunt Marj and Uncle Bill:
I never met Ryan, but after reading these messages, I feel like I know him. I believe he, as well as his family (that includes you, Joanna), will continue to inspire others who are going through similar tragedies. God bless you all.
Connie

KIM ADKISON

January 10, 2008

BRENDA: I JUST WOULD LIKE TO SAY HOW SORRY I AM TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS,MY THOUGHT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS. LOVE AND MISS YOU DEARLY, I AM HERE ANYTIME YOU NEED A FRIEND..

Stephanie Sanchez

January 9, 2008

Glan, Sarah, and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Your Neighbors in Pedrick Crossing

January 9, 2008

Glenn and family.

Your neighbors at Pedrick Crossing wish to express their condolences on the loss of your son.

Warmest regards,

Cindy Dick

January 9, 2008

To the Richie Family:

I was diagonosed at the same time as Ryan with a Clarks Level 5 Melanoma. We had the same surgeon and both had to go back for the lymph node removal only to find out that they too were positive for Melanoma. We started the Interferon side by side at TMH and shared our reactions and encouraged each other daily. It was no picnic, but we bonded during those 4 weeks of everyday treatments and I often thought of him as I continued the injections for the next year. I was able to reconnect with Ryan this past June when he shared with me about his reoccurrence. He came to my office and we had lunch and talked for a long while. I spoke to him again when he recieved the results of the metastasis to the brain. I will never forget him and he will always be a part of my heart and my recovery. I don't know why God chooses some and leaves others to work on here. But I do know that it is not for me to answer and I will see Ryan again someday. I am the Honorary Chair for this year's Relay for Life and plan to emphasize the underestimation of skin cancer and it's ability to steal the ones we love. I will honor Ryan in this way and will carry his memory with me forever.

Matt and Sara Brosious

January 9, 2008

To the Ritchie Family and Joanna:

It is so difficult to understand the loss of someone so young, courageous and full of promise. I pray that the Lord will give you the peace and comfort that only He can provide throughout the days to come. I am praying for you daily.

missy odom

January 9, 2008

Brenda, & Family, My heart and prayers go out to you in this time of deep sorry. God has chosen for him to come home. we all to will be there one day. God Bless you and give you the strength to carry on as your son would want you to do. If anything I can do, please don't hesitate to call...

Celeste Peele

January 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers go out to Sarah and the Ritchie Family. I am deeply saddened by your loss.

Mike and Tina Tomblin

January 9, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Joy Vanden Dooren

January 9, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the Ritchie family, Joanna, and close friends. Ryan was a wonderful person and I am blessed to have known him.

Ruby & James Huntley

January 9, 2008

Brenda & Doug,
May God be with you in
you're time of sorrow.

Fabianne Register

January 9, 2008

I spread my wings
And I learn how to fly.
I know I leave you
But I must say goodbye.

My body’s not there,
You cannot see.
But you gave me a gift,
Just by loving me.

My journey ends,
Come what may.
But I know I will see you
One sweet day.

So do not cry,
Do not shed a tear.
I am with you always,
I am always near

Look in your heart
And there I will be,
Loving you always
And will for eternity.

Mandy Stark

January 9, 2008

Joanna,
You and Ryan were so special. You made him so happy. I am here for you always, and love you dearly.
- Mandy

Amy Cook

January 9, 2008

Sarah, Glen and family, I grew up with Sarah. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of need. God Bless!!

Molly & Lonnie Morris

January 9, 2008

We love you, and pray that you will have the peace and strength, Our Father gives.

Trisha Gale

January 9, 2008

Ryan was the most courageous person I have ever met. He will always remain in my heart and in my prayers.

Chuck Duggar

January 9, 2008

Dear Glen,

Meg and I are so sorry for your loss. Ryan was an incredible young man. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers now and in the days ahead. Sincerely,

James(J.D.), Cathy, Robert and Renee Coburn

January 9, 2008

Our gracious god has taken another
one of his angels home. Rest in
Peace. May god be with you always
and forever. God bless and help
Ryan's family through this time.
We will always remember your sweet
personality. Thanks for always taking time out to say hello every
time we saw you.

Matt and Kristy Ward

January 8, 2008

We miss you so much. We know that you are in a much better place now. You were a true friend and we are truly blessed to have been able to be a part of your life. We love you!

Lauren Kendall

January 8, 2008

my thoughts and prayers are with the Ritchie family.

Gina Haffner

January 8, 2008

My deepest heartfelt condolences to the entire Ritchie family.

Jibri Knight

January 8, 2008

Ryan showed the strength most of us wish we had, he is now at peace and will be missed.

Michael Hammett

January 8, 2008

I grew up with Ryan and he was a great friend. Although I have not seen him since I left Tallahassee I was deepley saddened to hear of his passing. Glen, Sarah, and the rest of the family you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jill Smith

January 8, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear. Ryan will be greatly missed.

Brandi Costa

January 8, 2008

All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.

Love Lee and Brandi

January 8, 2008

Friends and Loved Ones of Ryan,
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Remember that "Those who live in the hearts of others never die."
Esther, Matt and Payton Wheeler

Christie Smith

January 8, 2008

My heart goes out to Ryan's family and friends in this difficult time. Ryan was one of the nicest people I know. You are in my prayers.

Jibri Knight

January 8, 2008

Ryan fought with the strength most of us wish we had, you are in a better place and the pain is over. You will be missed.

Laura Johnson

January 8, 2008

Ryan is a symbol of strength for us all -- we are all blessed to have known him. Thank you, Ryan, for bringing so much happiness to everyone around you.

To Joanna and the Ritchie family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Joanna Lynn Hanson

January 8, 2008

You were and always will be my soulmate, hero, inspiration, and angel. I love you so much, and miss you.

P.S. - Madison, Abbey and Ziggy send kisses to their daddy.

Love always,

Kellie Willis

January 8, 2008

I am so sorry to hear this. I did not personally know Ryan but went to Lincoln. May you be at peace with God now.

Leslie Morris

January 8, 2008

Leslie Morris

Alison Hamby

January 8, 2008

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you!!

Katie Hobbs

January 8, 2008

Ryan is at peace now. I pray that same peace upon his family and friends.

Alicia Pope

January 8, 2008

My prayers and sympathy are with you, Joanna, and Ryan's family. Psalm 116:15 Alicia Pope (Amy Pope's mom)

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