Ryan Lee Merritt

Ryan Lee Merritt, 28, of 1043 Napier Ave., Erie, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013 in a tragic motor vehicle accident north of Meadville.

Ryan was born in Meadville, on December 28, 1984, a son of Robert A. and Shelly M. (Leonhart) Merritt

He married the love of his life, Bobbi Ann Stewart; she survives.

Ryan was employed as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) for Absolut Care, Westfield, NY. Over the past ten years he worked as a CNA at various health care facilities including the former Beverly Heath Care in Cambridge Springs and Rolling Fields. He had previously held other jobs, but his true calling was becoming a CNA, which is where he met his wife. He loved his work and the residents he worked with, and in turn, they adored his compassionate, caring and funny personality. Ryan enjoyed life and being out and about. He loved fishing and being out in the woods hunting. He was teaching his little ones about nature, life and looked forward to teaching them how to hunt. He was a quiet, private soul. He enjoyed quite rides and often took his family along for company. Watching the beautiful sunsets with his wife, Bobbi, as the heavens came together was a special time for them. Ryan cherished his family, protected his children and held his dear friends tightly in his heart. When he spoke of his family, he glowed, making it evident how much he loved them all. He will be deeply missed.

In addition to his beloved wife, Bobbi Ann, Ryan is survived by a son Domonic Allen Merritt, two step children Devon Maxwell Hood, Natalie Maddison Hood, mother Shelly M. Merritt of Saegertown, father Robert A. Merritt of Saegertown, three brothers Jacob Leonhart of Mountain Top, Jason Leonhart and his wife Pamela of Spartansburg, Robert A. Merritt, Jr. of Meadville, his adopted mother-in-law Dianne Williard of Erie, his dear and trusted friends Matt Patterson, Joe Evans, Brandon Mattocks and Tony and Lisa, several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Ryan was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Morris and Helen Merritt, maternal grandparents Frank and Beverly Leonhart and an uncle Richard Leonhart.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday from 2-4 and 6-8 at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 404 Chestnut St., Meadville.

Share your condolences at www.miznerfuneralhome.com