Margaret Ryland Redpath, 43, passed away in the early morning hours of August 6, 2022. Ryland spent her final hours in the same High Point, NC, bedroom where she slept for nearly 40 years, and she transitioned to eternal rest while wrapped in her father’s arms – the same arms that held her through all the hard and beautiful days of her extraordinary life.
Ryland defied the odds, and the world’s expectations of her, time and time again. She was born on January 11, 1979, the first child of Randolph Allan and Allison Page Redpath. Her birth was traumatic for all, and it was a miracle she survived more than a few hours. Although it would be a decade before Ryland had a diagnosis of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, it was clear from the beginning that she had severe physical and intellectual disabilities. The last 12 years of her life bore a striking resemblance to those first moments, as countless doctors told Ryland’s family to brace for the end, underestimating (as we all did) Ryland’s ability to transcend the limitations of her body.
Indeed, Ryland’s life could not have been any fuller. She attended special education programs at Johnson Street Elementary, Southwest Middle School, and High Point Central High School. She enjoyed magnetic popularity throughout her school days, culminating in a memorable standing ovation at High Point Central’s graduation ceremony in May 2000. Ryland was a blue-ribbon-winning Special Olympian, and active in programs of The ARC of High Point. She had an ear for music and flawless rhythm. She danced at every opportunity. In her early years, Ryland loved the beach, the pool, watching her sister play sports, rollercoasters, and ice cream. In her later years, she cherished her front porch rocking chair, back rubs, warm baths, and the Sunday morning care routine with her Dad. Ryland could sense all types of humor, and her laughter was unbridled and unforgettable.
In addition, Ryland had attributes that most of us can only aspire to. She had no pretense, and she did not know envy, greed, or judgment. She knew only love, and to know her was to be loved by her. As one of her doctors wrote back in 2011, “I can tell you that you have never really been hugged until you have been hugged by Ryland. It is amazing.” The defining feature of Ryland’s hug was her refusal to let go. She would hold on until she felt your surrender, and then for a little longer. In truth, she has never let go, and never will.
Ryland’s family wants to express their limitless gratitude to Ryland’s devoted caregivers and her capable and compassionate medical providers, all of whom loved and cared for Ryland as if she were their own.
In addition to her parents, Ryland is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Redpath, her sister-in-law, Jennifer, and her niece and nephew, Lincoln and Crosby, all of Richmond, VA. She is also survived by her grandmother Kathleen “Tina” Royster, of Richmond, VA. Other survivors include her aunts and uncles: Andy and Brenda Redpath of Baton Rouge, LA; Kaki and Jim Nelson of Richmond, VA; Martha and Chris Young of Richmond, VA; and Hap and Heather Royster of Winston Salem, NC. Ryland had twelve first cousins, and so many other family members and dear friends who loved and adored her.
Ryland was pre-deceased by grandparents Vernon and Margaret (beloved “Memaw”) Redpath, and Henry Royster.
Ryland was laid to rest in Quantico National Cemetery in Triangle, VA, on August 11. A memorial service to celebrate Ryland’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church of High Point. The family will receive friends after the memorial service in the Family Life Center of First Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to The ARC of High Point, 153 E Bellevue Dr, High Point, NC 27265, or First Presbyterian Church, 918 North Main Street, High Point, NC 27262.
