Ryder W. “Storm Boy” Steck, age 18 passed from this life into the rewards of the next on Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Grant Hospital from injuries sustained in a July 27th single automobile accident. Fitting to his character, he gave the gift of life through organ donation, by his own elected choice. In death, he truly understood where he was going and gave of his pure heart. Its beating as his memory will live on, “Ryders On The Storm”.
Born on June 19, 1996 in Westerville, he will forever be a precious son of Ronnie and Kila (Shultz) Steck of Marengo. Ryder was a member of the 2015 Senior Class of Highland High School in Sparta. Gifted in every way, he was a member of the National Honor Society and Wednesday Bible Study. He aspired to attend Ohio Wesleyan University.
While at Highland he excelled as an athlete. He was a member of the Cross Country Team #562, he also ran the 2 mile on the track team. Ryder played the guard position on the Highland basketball team, specializing in defense and proudly wearing #20. Not one to strike out, he was also the lead-off batter for the Marengo youth baseball team, wearing #2, playing first base and short stop.
Ornery and with a playful spirit, he loved to joke. Very intelligent, his friendly spirit allowed him to fit in with any crowd, young or old. Ryder was a member of Livestock Unlimited 4-H club, showing sheep and cows. He was also an avid fan of the Pittsburg Steelers and especially the New York Yankees, following Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.
He worked for PJ’s Pizza in Sunbury as a server in addition to assisting with the trap shoots at the Cardinal Center in Marengo. He collected anything Yankee oriented and enjoyed hunting with his father and his new coon dogs. Ryder also enjoyed meals at Raising Cane’s or watching Netflix with his family. A faithful Christian, he enjoyed a passion for music and animals.
Fiercely independent and trustworthy, he liked doing things on his terms. He took care of himself, always health conscientious. He was thrifty never one to ask for things or with a smile clean his room. Ryder was a true over achiever, when he set his mind to something, it was always accomplished, whatever the task.
Family was always first with Ryder; he treasured time spent with them and especially his cousins. Perhaps one of the reasons his cheering section was so large at his numerous sporting events. He was at his best playing sports or running and home was his favorite place.
In additional to his family he was most proud of his team and individual accomplishments; winning the district championship in cross country, the MOAC Conference title in basketball, the Pony League and Babe Ruth League HSA Rec. Team championship, as well as Grand Champion Cow and Reserve Grand Champion Sheep at the Morrow County Fair.
Expressed best by his parents “He lived a good life, happy, healthy, just too short”. They are most proud that Ryder was a Christian and true friend.
He will forever be cherished by his mother Kila, his father Ronnie, sister Parker, brother Ranger, grandfather Bob Steck, aunts and uncles Joe & DellAnn Kuhn, Ernie & Darla Gaskin, Scott & Melody George, Keith & Jona Baer, Chad & Amber Hankins, Randy & Michele Steck, Bryan & Rhonda Damron, 17 cousins, 8 second cousins, countless friends, coaches, and “Fighters”.
He was proceded in death by grandparents Mardell (Wilcox) Shultz in 2001, Johnnie Shultz in 2011, and Terry (Snow) Steck in 2013.
The Steck Family gratefully acknowledges and deeply appreciates the communities outpouring of love, affection, and prayers during this difficult time.
Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Sunday at the Highland High School Gymnasium, 1300 St. Rt. 314, Marengo, Ohio 43334, where services Celebrating the Life of Ryder “Storm Boy” Steck will be held 11:00 Monday, with Gary Condit officiating. Burial will follow in Marengo Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Ryder Steck Donation Fund, c/o Highland High School, 1300 St Rt 314, Marengo, Ohio 43334.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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