Ryan Matthew Retherford

Ryan Matthew Retherford, loving husband, father, son, brother grandfather and friend passed away suddenly Christmas evening to join his Lord and Savior in Eternal Peace. Born April 8, 1959, Ryan was a graduate of Westerville South High School and Hocking Technical College where he majored in Forestry and has worked for the City of Westerville since college. Ryan was a lover of God, his family and he touched the lives of everyone he met. He was a member of Vineyard Columbus where he and his wife Debbi were part of the Open Healing Prayer Ministries. Ryan had a servant's heart, whether he was training someone at work or helping a neighbor. He always rose to the needs of others. He was truly gifted with patience, kindness, compassion, goodness, longsuffering and love. He gave the best hugs. His love of nature was expressed in his many photographs and one of his favorite places was the Hocking Hills where in lieu of flowers you can make a kind donation to: www.friendsofhockinghills.org in his memory. He is preceded in death by grandparents, Harold and Bernice Retherford and C.H. and Madge Jimison; Teresa and Henry Jocz, Alvin Lewis, John Lewis, Jack Lewis, Katie and Ron Kluding, Matt Cocking and Christan Cupp. Ryan is survived by his wife, Debbi (Lewis); sons David and Daniel Retherford; daughter Anna Retherford; mother, Peggy Retherford; father, Richard "Dick" Retherford; brothers, Randy (Kathy) Retherford and Dr. Roger (Marian) Retherford; sisters, Rhenda (Sam) Gephart, and Renee (Rod) Retherford; sisters-in-law, Diane (Kenny) Gottke and Donna Lewis; as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Calling hours will be held at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Rd., Gahanna Ohio 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2016. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vineyard Columbus, 6000 Cooper Rd, Westerville Ohio at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 5. He will be laid to rest following the service at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.