Obituaries

Ryan W. Harkness, 40

August 22, 1983 - June 26, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Ryan W. Harkness, who passed away at his home on June 26, 2024. Born in Philadelphia on August 22, 1983, he is the son of Jim and Sandy Harkness.

A 2002 graduate of Conestoga Valley High School, Ryan went on to attend Millersville University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science. His greatest achievements were the births of his daughters Payden and Harper. Ryan loved being a dad and making memories with his girls. They were the light of his life.

Ryan had a saving faith in Jesus and was an active member of Mission Church in Lancaster, where he volunteered his time with the church’s lawn maintenance and food bank, as well as the small group Bible study. In his free time, Ryan enjoyed spending time with family. He loved hiking with his daughters and his dog Boaz. Ryan also enjoyed camping, gardening, skiing, and playing soccer.

Ryan’s Godly influence and love will live on in his daughters, parents, siblings: James Harkness Jr. husband of Tina, Kristin Van Lenten, wife of Mark, and Karyn Fillgrove, wife of Jesse, as well as nieces and nephews, Jimmy Harkness, Ben Harkness, Micah Van Lenten, Emma Van Lenten, Samuel Fillgrove, and Joanna Fillgrove.

A service celebrating Ryan will be held at 12 PM on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. A viewing will be held from 10 AM until the service. Interment to follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the food bank at Mission Church (651 Lampeter Rd., Lancaster, PA 17602) or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).

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Condolences to the Family

July 26, 2024

SANDY AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. GOD GIVE YOU STRENGTH AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. KNOW THAT HE IS WITH GOD AND AT PEACE NOW.  MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU.GOD BLESS .
JO ANN DI PASQUALE

July 13, 2024

My condolences to the entire Harknes family. May he rest in peace. 
Tom Piotrowski

July 12, 2024

We might not be able to be physically with you, but our hearts and prayers reach out to all of the Harkness family.
Bill & Eileen Elliott

July 10, 2024

Thinking of you all! I worked with Ryan for 10 years at Scantron. He was a great listener, co-worker, and collaborator. He was always willing to drop what he was working on to help someone when they called for IT assistance and he was good at finding ways to make the computer work more efficiently. He will be missed dearly! May you find comfort in knowing you will see him again. 
Katrina

July 10, 2024

So sorry for your loss of Ryan. I can’t even imagine the heartbreak you are feeling. Sending hugs and prayers. Dustin and Ryan shared some good times as they were growing up. 
Amy and Dennis Zahm

July 09, 2024

My condolences to the entire family on your tragic loss. There are no words that can adequately comfort so I offer my love, ears and shoulders for your comfort. Big Jim and Sandy know my tears fall alongside yours not only for Ryan, but also for the pain you must endure. Know you are loved by my family as you have kindly loved mine. May you find comfort in your memories of Ryan and in God’s love. 
Csilla Ferreira

July 09, 2024

Harkness family,
Sincere condolences on the loss of Ryan.  He was a one of a kind. Ryan was a (remote) co-worker of mine for several years.  We shared many a phone conversation about Life, Religion, a little about work, but mostly about his daughters. He was a loving proud father.  He enjoyed his dogs, talked a lot about his siblings and parents.  He also really enjoyed the vacation home you all shared as a family.  I will really miss the conversations.  May Ryan rest in peace and enjoy eternal life.   
Dylan J

July 08, 2024

My condolences to the Harkness family. Ryan was a fine young man and friend to all that knew him. We know that because of Ryan’s spiritual beliefs someday we will all met in the presence of the Lord.
Jim Van Lenten

July 08, 2024

Ryan was an amazing father and he was dedicated and had grown so much for Payden and Harper. I pray that their memories of him are strong and that they are able to create new ones with their families for the rest of their lives. I was blessed to have known him.
KD

July 07, 2024

Kristin and the Harkness Family, 
Condolences to you all for the loss of your brother and son!! May the lord give you peace that you will see him again! May the Lord be with his girls and you while navigating this difficult time!
Love-Kari Harbold and Family

July 07, 2024

Dear Harkness Family, we are so sorry to hear about Ryan’s sudden passing.  I always thought he was such a dear young man, like all of the Harknesses.  I had Ryan in my Jr. High church small group and spoke with him other times in his adult life.  Our prayers are with you all and those dear daughters.  He is with Jesus now, but I’m sure will be missed.  Blessings and prayers Steve & Bonnie Fry

July 07, 2024

Ryan was always a kind brother-in-Christ I have known since I was a young girl, and I enjoyed catching up with him regarding his life and his girls each year at Iroquoina Soccer Camp. He always had a smile on his face that brought joy into a room and a positivity and hope in Christ despite life’s circumstances. I will always remember that about him! His presence will surely be missed at camp…I look forward to seeing him again in glory! Linda Donton

July 06, 2024

I have know this family forever. They were there with me thru good times and bad times. A great family that really shows Gods love! Ryan was a model of Gods loving heart.  He will be missed but the legacy of what he stood for, and his love for his daughters was an example of what kind of Man he was, that will live in them forever. We will see you again but the memories will live on. My prayers and thoughts are with the family and I love you all! ❤️🙏🏼
June Grimm

July 05, 2024

Thinking and praying for you all!
In His name,
Susan Hoare

July 05, 2024

Our deepest condolences to your families, our hearts are breaking for all of you. We are so grateful for the peace of knowing Ryan is with his Lord and Savior. I have such vivid memories of he and Derek playing together so many years ago. Sandy and Jim we are sending hugs, love and prayers for you, dear friends.
Love,
Carla and Bill

July 04, 2024

To the Harkness family.
my condolences of your Sudden loss Of your child, brother, husband and father may he rest in peace .
Maryann W

July 04, 2024

Oh, Karyn, we are so sorry about your brother’s passing. What a wonderful example of servant hood your brother was for his girls! Such a shocking loss is so difficult to deal with, but, even though you are grieving, you can be comforted in the fact that, one day, you will be reunited with him, and what joyous reunion that will be! We’re praying for all of you in the days & weeks to come. We love you!
Tom & Margo Huston

July 04, 2024

I knew Ryan when he was a young man and he was a lovely young man. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know this hits my sister Linda hard because she considers you family. May the family find peace in each other and the Lord.
joan boppel lahr

July 03, 2024

So sorry for the loss of your son. You and your family are in my prayers 
Kathy Walton

July 03, 2024

Sandy and Jim and Family,
So very sorry to hear this news, I didn’t know him well just that he was your son and met him a few times with his family at Linda’s pool, your heart must be breaking, I know the feeling , I went through it with my brother Dave, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Geib

Visitation
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
12:00 PM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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