Ryan Kersthold
December 17, 1983- August 26, 2014
Ryan Kersthold, 30, of Los Banos, CA, passed away on August 26, 2014. Ryan was born in Los Banos, California, to Tami (McAndrews) Kersthold and Ross Kersthold. Ryan attended R.M. Miano Elementary school, participated in 4-H, graduated from Los Banos High School in 2002, and attended the Los Banos campus of Merced College.
From the very beginning Ryan fought for life diligently and gracefully, every day, and while he may have exceeded the “medical” expectations of some, those who love Ryan certainly know his time with us here was cut much too short. His strength and sense of humor lifted our spirits and encouraged us to relish in the joys of life as tenaciously as he did.
Above all else Ryan will be remembered for his empathy, kindness, and compassion. He cherished the time he shared with his family, and was also quick to bond with others, embracing his newest friends and aides as if he had always known them. We watched his sparkling eyes light up the room as he drew us in with his energetic storytelling and awe for the surprises that life throws our way. Maybe we were lucky enough to catch a ride on the back of his chair for a drag race down Granada Circle. Whether we met Ryan flying planes at Eagle Field, out on the canal with our line dropped in alongside his, peering through the grandstand rails at the Destruction Derby, rocking out and singing along to the Bandits down at Shiner’s, or decked out in red and gold while cheering on the 49ers, Ryan’s enthusiasm and passion for life were always abundantly clear. He faced and overcame challenges most us could never dream of, with a level of strength and integritythat was an inspiration for all who knew him.
A memorial mass will be held at 11am, Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Los Banos, Ca.
Ryan is survived by his parents Tami (McAndrews) Kersthold and Ross Kersthold, of Los Banos, Ca; sisters Alexandra Kersthold and Erin Sanderson, brother in-law Brandon Sanderson, and god-son and nephew Liam Ryan Sanderson. Ryan also leaves behind his beloved fishing buddy Robert Kmetz, Head LVN Rene Cedillo, his dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and aides, who always kept his quality of life in mind, especially Michael Deldin, along with an extensive list of family and friends. Ryan is predeceased by his Grandparents Floris (EE) Jean and Phillip C. McAndrews, uncle Brett Eugene McAndrews, and great aunt Teresa Chirchillo.
Donations may be made in Ryan’s memory to the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, 520 Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, Ca 94304-2001, Phone (650) 470-6000, or Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, in Los Banos.