Ryan David Kelling, age 46, of Punta Gorda, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 21, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was born on June 1, 1979 to Wendi Lahmon and John (Kathy) Kelling. Ryan graduated from East Knox High School in 1997.

Ryan worked in construction and concrete after graduation until he joined Americore and assisted with natural catastrophes in the midwest and was introduced to the mountains of Washington state where he quickly fell in love with hiking, rock climbing and made his home there for many years where he raised his family spending time in the mountains every chance they got.  

Ryan is survived by his beautiful and loving wife, Traci (Griffith) Kelling, his children, Katanna, Gideon, Asher and Zimri Kelling. He will be missed terribly by his parents, brothers, Levi (Toni) Kelling, Walt Kelling, Nathanael Kelling, Matthew (Hannah) Kelling, Seth (Nacole) Kelling, his grandparents, Walt and Shirley Kelling, his in-laws, Clarence and Doris Griffith as well as many special aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.  Ryan was preceded in death by his stepfather, Tim Lahmon, and his grandparents, Robert and Patricia Carpenter. 

Ryan was the oldest of six boys and is described by his brothers as being incredibly strong, fearless, inspirational, and the go-to for direction.  Ryan spent the last 13 years of his life in a wheelchair as a paraplegic following a construction accident, despite his limitations he refused to give up and continued to find employment, exercise, ride his hand cycle in numerous races (one memorable one was the Alaska Challenge) and be an encouragement to all who knew him. 

Ryan loved the Lord, his family deeply and will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.  Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens and I will give you rest.” We rejoice in the fact that he is walking with the Lord and will find a glorious mountain or two to climb.  A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.