Ryan Heath Cull departed this life peacefully in his sleep February 9, 2023, at home in Midlothian, Texas.
Ryan was born to Kenneth Michael Cull and Carol Ann Leibfarth Cull, on September 11, 1976, in Conroe, Texas. At the age of two, Ryan was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Upon receiving this diagnosis, the Cull family learned the best healthcare available for Ryan would be in the DFW Metroplex. It was at this point the family relocated, ultimately settling in Midlothian, Texas. Ryan attended school in Midlothian from the age of five until he left High School at the end of his tenth grade year in order to pursue his GED and begin working. Throughout his school years, Ryan was a member of the Midlothian I.S.D. academic “gifted and talented” program, while also being a remarkable athlete. He especially loved playing soccer and running cross country, where he lettered and competed on the High School varsity cross country team beginning his freshman year. After leaving school and receiving his GED, Ryan pursued a career in plumbing. He loved his boss and co-workers, and truly enjoyed apprenticing as a plumber. Unfortunately, his poor health would not allow him to turn his apprenticeship into a full-time career. Accordingly, Ryan left plumbing and went to work as an account executive for his parents’ printing and mailing company, Gingerbread Press, in Waxahachie. He continued working in this role for many years and was thankful to be able to work with his family. When Ryan’s health declined further, he was forced to accept the fact he would have to leave work altogether.
Ryan is survived by his Mother, Carol Leibfarth Cull, Brother Chad Cull and his partner Bobbie Jean Duke, Brother Richard Peña and his wife Jennifer Peña, Aunt Beverly Cull von Helms, Cousin Tamara Mergener, her husband Adam and their daughters Tadam Mergener Conroy and Tarin Mergener, Cousin Todd von Helms, his wife Caroline and their sons Hunter and Jake von Helms, Aunt Jeannie Ballard-West, Uncle Rick West, Cousin Dylan Ballard, his son Ryan, Cousin Hannah West, Nephews: Andrew Duke, Chad Peña, Nicholas Peña, Corbin Milholen, Landen Milholen, Niece Presley Peña, and step son Corbin Jost.
He is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Glenn and Celestine Cull, Russ and Lois Leibfarth, Aunt Carolyn Sue Cull Turner Easterwood, and Cousin Nikki Ballard.
Sadly, while surviving Ryan, Ryan’s Father Kenneth Michael Cull also passed away shortly before the writing of this obituary.
We, the Cull family, truly feel blessed to have been allowed to be a part of Ryan’s life. He was the toughest person we have ever known. Quick-witted and full of joyful sarcasm, with a big heart. He struggled his entire life, both mentally and physically, with his battle against Cystic Fibrosis. Nevertheless, he fought the illness so well for so long that many people, even close friends, did not know he was sick at all. Ryan loved everyone and, despite his poor health, he loved life! He was one of a kind and will be missed by those of us fortunate enough to have shared his life.
Ryan loved parties! With this in mind, the Cull family has decided to throw a party in celebration of Ryan’s life instead of having a traditional funeral service. Everyone is invited. The party will take place Friday April 28, 2023 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm at the Midlothian Civic Center (224 S 11th ST, Midlothian, TX 76065). This is a casual event, so please feel free to come and go as you like.