Ryan Christopher Wertz

Ryan achieved his undergraduate degree from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Parks, Recreation and Touring Management. Ryan accomplished his master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Science.

He was an accomplished athlete and dedicated employee with the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Cornelius, NC for several years. He enjoyed his work and the time he had with his fellow co-workers.

One beautiful thing for us all to remember is how much Ryan loved his family and friends. Also he touched the hearts of so many of us. Ryan was a beautiful person with a big heart and had a knack for making everyone laugh and leaving us with a warm smile on our face.

We will all miss Ryan, but his memory will last forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his father: William J. Wertz and Tracy Becker, of Raleigh; mother: Debbie Wertz and Sonny Thomas, of Cary; sister: Allison Nicole McElroy, her husband Richard and his children, Branson and Dylan, of Apex; his girlfriend: Amanda Newman, of Huntersville; his uncles: Bobbie Pierce, Ed Pierce and his son, Austin Pierce, Peter J. Wertz and wife Rebecca and their sons, Alexander and Andrew, and Michael P. Wertz and wife Wanda Sue and their children, Michael Wertz, Jr. and Telicia Riggle and husband Eric; and other family and friends.

We love you Ryan and Jesus Christ is with you.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27th from 6-8 PM at Apex Funeral Home, with a Funeral Mass Tuesday at 11 AM at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Apex.

Contributions in Ryan's memory may be made to one of the following: the UNC Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health - Attn: Leah Pribac - 200 N. Greensboro St. C-6 - Carrboro, NC 27510, the St. Joseph Catholic Church - 2817 Poole Road - Raleigh, NC 27610 - 919-231-6364 - Attention: Monsignor Jeffery Ingham or the St. Andrews The Apostle Catholic Church - 3008 Old Raleigh Road - Apex, NC 27502 - 919-362-0414 - Please note "Gift of Thanksgiving" in the memo portion of your check.

Please take a moment to sign the online guestbook below.

Thoughts from Ryan's Sister, Allison

My Brother, my Tweezen!

I know you are ok and in no pain or anguish. I need you to know how much we tried to help you and make life better for you. I am so sorry for the last four months and how you felt that this was the only way for you. But at the same time, I know you felt this was best for you.

Ryan, you are so smart, so funny, so warm-hearted, so loving and caring and handsome too. Most of all Ryan, you are the best little brother I could ever had. Words will never be able to express how much I love you and will miss you.

Ryan, I will always talk to you, cry for you and think of you. I know you are at peace and I will see you in heaven. I hope you are “touching the grass with your feet.” I Love you, I Love you and I Love you always!

Your Big Sister, Your Best Friend,

AL

Thoughts from Ryan's Father, Billy

To MY Favorite Son,

Ryan, I want to share with you a few thoughts and feelings about what you mean me as my loving son. You and Allison will always have a hugh place in my heart with the deepest love and compassion a father could have. You two have always made feel very proud and special as a father could be. Ryan, the love I have for you goes beyond words and reaches as far as the heavens can be. When God made my children, He didn't duplicate, for He knew He made two special, beautiful persons that I will love and enjoy for a lifetime and in heaven!

If you don't mind, I like to share this poem with you. It reminds me of your growing up days and how I always look at you as my son that became a man of himself.

MY LITTLE BOY

No amount of gold could ever compare, to the gift of love that my son shares.

I've been blind and I couldn't see that all the love I've wanted is right here in front of me.

He gives reason to get through another day.

Maybe it's how he loves me in his special little way.

And when it gets hard for me to sleep at night....

He wraps his little arms around me and says God will make things right!

From sweet gentle touches to his bear hugs and a kiss...

He makes the troubles on earth seem more like a peaceful bliss.

That great big chocolate milk smile and the twinkle in his eyes....

Every time I look at him it makes me want to cry.

But they're not tears of sorrow; they're tears of pride and joy....

To know that all the love in heaven is wrapped around my little boy

Yes, you've grown to be a fine young man, whose made me very proud, esp. of all your accomplishments and how you have always tried to be a good person and true to your friends. I will miss your smile, your silliness and all the clowning around you do. I could go on forever talking about you and Allison, but my letter to you must end, just like your life has ended and eternity in heaven has begun for you.

I envy you because you are with all the angels and the Holy Family before me. You are my beautiful, loving son and will be in my thoughts and prayers forever! Your spirit will walk beside me and we will again have our private moments together and always!

I love you and will miss you terribly, but I know you're smiling again and walking with the Lord.

Please pray for me that I may see you again.

Your Dad

Thoughts from Ryan's Mother

Ryan I miss you with all my heart and soul. I was so blessed to be your mother. I was always so proud to call you my son. I know your happy now and at peace. I love you so very much. Love you my son