Ryan Edward Stoltzfus, 17 years, 3 months, and 26 days, of 59302 Rock Grove Place , Knox City , Missouri , went to be home with his Savior at 1:35 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at the Children’s Hospital in Columbia , Missouri , after a brief illness.

Ryan was born in Erie , Pennsylvania on August 18, 1999, to Michael and Lois (Petersheim) Stoltzfus. His birth was three months premature, resulting in a number of physical challenges, some of which he faced continually throughout his 17 years. Despite the challenges, Ryan was generally a cheerful, happy person, known to many by his ready smile. In the summer of 2016, he received Jesus into his heart and was baptized on confession of his faith, resulting in a deep inner joy, which was often reflected by his singing as he went about his daily activities.

In addition to his parents, Michael and Lois, Ryan is survived by one brother, Larry Wayne and five sisters, Lucy Joy, Cheryl Elaine, Alice Rachelle, Lisa Ruth, and Kathi Michelle, all of the home. He is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Martha Stoltzfus; his maternal grandmother, Fannie Petersheim both of Townville , Pennsylvania ; as well as a number of uncles, aunts, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Wayne Stoltzfus; and his maternal grandfather, Amos Petersheim.

Ryan will be sorely missed by his family, as well as his many friends.

Friends and family may call at the Oak View Mennonite Church, 54999 State Highway T, Edina, Missouri, on Sunday, December 18, 2016, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. for visitation.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2016, at the church.

Interment will follow in the Oak View Mennonite Cemetery , adjoining the church.

An expression of sympathy in memory of Ryan may be left to the Christian Aid Ministries, Hope-for-the-Handicapped Fund, P.O. Box 360 , Berlin , Ohio 44610 .