Jerry J. Ryman

Jerry J. Ryman, of Warsaw, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at the age of 81. A man of extreme integrity, with an absolute love for people, he never missed an opportunity to faithfully share Christ with those around him. Jerry is now whole again, rejoicing in his eternal home in Heaven.
A lifetime resident of Kosciusko County, Jerry was born on Feb. 21, 1945, in Warsaw, one of five sons born to Pauline Alice Holloway Ryman and Kenneth Leroy Ryman. A proud 1963 graduate of Mentone High School, it was there that he met the love of his life, Cheryl Ann Horn. After serving as her homecoming escort, the high school sweethearts were married on April 24, 1965. Together, they were blessed with 61 years of marriage, during which they raised two wonderful daughters and later shared the deep joy of becoming grandparents.
Jerry attended Middle Tennessee State University on a basketball scholarship for a year before earning his bachelor’s degree in education from Grace College in 1970. He went on to dedicate 40-½ years to education, shaping generations of students as the beloved sixth-grade teacher in Room #9 at Madison Elementary School in Warsaw. Known affectionately as "Coach" to countless students, Jerry poured his heart into coaching the boys' basketball team at Madison and deeply impacted the lives of his players. His coaching legacy extended to Warsaw High School, where he served as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams for many years. He spent seven years as the women’s basketball coach at Grace College, where he coached both of his daughters. His dedication to the sport earned him the distinct honor of being inducted into the Grace Hall of Fame in 2011, followed by the Kosciusko County Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013. Outside of the classroom and the gym, Jerry found peace in God's creation; he loved being outdoors, surrounded by nature and the woods. He cherished worshiping alongside his church family at Warsaw Community Church. Above all, next to his deep love for his Lord, Jerry dearly loved his family — the joy of his life.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Cheryl Ryman; two daughters, Angela (Randy) Heinsman, Nicole (Matt) Dick, all of Warsaw; and five grandchildren: Victoria and Justin Heinsman, Maddie (Cade Gibbs) Ryman, Kensington (Kyle) Holwerda and Jeremy Ryman. Also surviving are two brothers, Fred (Mary) Ryman, Fort Wayne; and Doug (Vonda) Ryman, Claypool. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Michael and Robert Ryman.
Friends and family may visit from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4 at Redpath-Fruth-Byers Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Jerry’s life will be celebrated with a service at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 5 at Redpath-Fruth-Byers Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Denny Wilson. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
Memorial donations in Jerry’s memory may be directed to Baker Youth Club, 1401 E. Smith St., Warsaw, IN 46580; or to Grace College Athletics, 1 Lancer Way, Winona Lake, IN 46590 ... in memo line please put to go towards women’s basketball.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com