Ryan Joseph May's Obituary
Ryan Joseph May (26) died on June 13, 2023 from pneumonia after living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for nearly five years. Ryan was born in Payson, Utah on May 22, 1997 to Andy and Debbie May as the fourth of six sons. His spirit moved quickly from this life into the next in the company of his family on both sides of the veil.
Ryan was an energetic and charismatic boy who grew up running with the nickname “Dash.” He graduated from Salem Hills High School in 2015, where he played soccer, sang in choir, and won the title of “Mr. Skyhawk” in the school charity pageant. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and the trash receptacles he placed for his project can still be found at the city park. He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Germany Berlin mission from 2015 to 2017. Upon returning, he enrolled at Utah State University and began studying Law and Constitutional Studies and Psychology. He belonged to the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity whose focus is virtue, diligence, and brotherly love. He also served on the Logan Institute's returned missionary committee.
His first week in Logan, Ryan met Rachel Harris at the LDS Institute and they quickly fell in love. After becoming engaged in Lund, Nevada, they were sealed in the Payson, Utah temple on September 22, 2018. They built their household together in Logan, Utah while they continued their schooling. Rachel graduated with a degree in Family Finance while Ryan continued preparing for law school and participating in political campaigns. They enjoyed keeping their newlywed apartment well-stocked with boxes of cold cereal and spending time with friends and family. Ryan and Rachel always enjoyed cooking together and watching old classic television shows.
The week they were married, Ryan began experiencing weakness and tremors and was eventually diagnosed with ALS, a fatal neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. After receiving the terminal news, Ryan and Rachel moved in with Rachel’s family in the town of Huntsville for support in transitioning to their new reality. By 2020, Ryan’s condition had become more severe, and they moved to Elk Ridge to live with Andy and Debbie after renovations to the house made it more accessible for Ryan in his wheelchair. Rachel and Andy were heroic in their roles as caregivers to Ryan throughout his sojourn with ALS.
Determined to start a family, Ryan and Rachel were blessed with a baby girl by Christmas 2021. Molly Noel May was perfect for her father, snuggling on his lap, giving him kisses, drinking from his water bottle straw, and tickling his paralyzed feet.
A lover of our good green earth, Ryan surrounded himself with plants and wildlife. Wherever he was, you could often find him tracking the activities of critters and birds. He was a brilliant strategist with an unparalleled competitive drive. Disability assistive technology enabled Ryan to play all manner of games with his family up to the last month of his life. He was opinionated, honest and ravenously listened to politics and news.
Ryan’s faith never wavered throughout his life. He served faithfully in many callings including Ward Mission Leader, Ward Clerk, Elder’s Quorum Teacher, and his highest calling as husband and father. His ability to give powerful priesthood blessings was a great strength to his wife and daughter. He had a happy disposition, even amidst immense trials. His legacy of faith and hope will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Ryan is survived by his faithful wife Rachel, his daughter Molly, his parents, and five brothers: Scott (Andi) in Spanish Fork, Tanner (Angie) in Eagle Mountain, Garrett (Jocelynn) in Washington DC, Carter in Provo, and Brandon in Lehi. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Pauline May. We mourn our separation from Ryan but celebrate the separation of his spirit from his broken body.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Elk Ridge Stake Center (185 Ridge View Drive, 84651). The service live stream can be viewed at https://www.elkridge2ndward.org/home. A viewing will be open beforehand starting at 9:00 am. A graveside service will be held the next morning, Tuesday, June 20 at 11:00 am in the Huntsville cemetery, where Ryan’s body will be laid to rest.
Arrangements are being coordinated with Premier Funeral Services. Condolences can be sent at www.premierfuneral.com
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