Please view the tribute video here.
Ryan McMillan Moberly Bennett, “Mama”, was born on Sunday, April 1st,1984 in Falls Church, Virginia, and passed away in his sleep on Thursday, December 9th, 2021.
Anyone who has met Ryan will tell you he was the most generous, giving, and energetic person. He was the life of the party, and the hostess with the most-est. Hosting Friday night RuPaul’s night got him through these past few pandemic years. R&R’s Annual XMAS Thieves party was celebrated for the 16th time just last weekend.
Ryan was someone for whom making connections (digital or personal) was important. He spent his life welcoming people to the table; he could (and would) always find room for one more. His table was never too full, and those of us who are lucky enough to have been seated at his table will keep welcoming others in his spirit.
The love that Ryan shared with everyone has its roots in his family. Ryan deeply loved his family and was deeply loved by them. Many memories were made sitting around the firepit, going to wineries, sharing meals and holidays and taking an annual vacation together. Ryan was always the “hummingbird”, flitting around to take care of the details. He especially loved spending time with his nephews, Harvey, McCarroll, Colby and Caeden. Colby and Caeden loved their Tio Ryan. He was the fun uncle who would always play with them and joke around about everything. They especially remember the awesome vacation trips to the beach and Lake Anna. Harvey and McCarroll lived several blocks from him and would often take a walk to see Uncle Ry. They loved spending the night at Uncle Ry’s and getting in his hot tub.
Mama, as his closest family group of friends called him, was the organizer, planner, and always the driver. He could tell you the car make model and year of every car his friends and family have ever owned. Cars, tinkering, and anything electronics were the best of Ryan’s Super-Powers.
The scale of his abilities was wide and varied: from installing stereos for friends to designing and providing lighting setups for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington to cooking batches of Grandma’s BBQ sauce and Mom’s Martha Bars, Ryan was someone for whom a creative spark came naturally.
Mama was not someone who put on airs. A list of some of his favorite things might include a Diet Coke (or 10), Mentos, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and the occasional stick of butter. It is one of the greatest things on a list of great things about our friend, our son, our brother, our lifelong companion: Ryan was always unapologetically himself.
We are all better for having known him and we will mourn his loss for years to come.
Ryan is survived by his Husband, Rick, his Parents, Bill and Cathy Moberly, Brother Evan Moberly (Jessica), Sisters Laura Jones and Kristin Forsht (David), nephews Harvey and McCarroll Moberly and his grandmother, Jackie Fleming, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 17, 2021, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 8617 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003. An internment is planned for Saturday morning the 18th at 9:30 am at National Memorial Park 7482 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042 with a Celebration of Life service to follow at St. Matthew’s UMC at 11:00 am. Please join us following the service at 1:00 pm at William & Catherine Moberly’s home 3305 Oak Run Ct. Falls Church 22042. RSVP by Tuesday December 14th.
In lieu at of flowers, donations may be made to The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington here.
Additional parking for the reception can be found at St. Phillip’s Church. Please park on the southeast side of the lot near the entrance lanes.
Condolences may be sent to:
Rick Bennett
3225 Wayne Road
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
Offer Condolence for the family of Ryan McMillan Moberly Bennett
8617 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003
12/17/2021
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Bill & Cathy
Very sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
I did not know Ryan like I did his brother, Evan, but I will never forget his beautiful smile or the positive energy that emanated from him. I am so sorry for your loss, but know how blessed you were to have him in your lives as he was to have all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I offer my sincere condolences to Rick and the rest of Ryan’s family. My prayers are with you all.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are neighbors of yours on Blundell Road and often had the opportunity to talk with Ryan as we walked our dog or he walked his. He was a delightful, charismatic young man will be missed.
Cathy, when my wife died and I saw you about an estate issue, you let me cry on your shoulder. You were a grief counselor as well as a tax advisor. I will never forget your kindness. Prayers and blessings to you and your family on the loss of your precious son.
I’ll always remember Ryan as a bright light in the world. His joy spread out to touch many lives and he will be greatly missed. All my love and support to those he leaves behind.
We are so saddened hearing of Ryan’s passing. I remember him as always smiling at Woodley Pool. God will welcome Ryan and provide love and support for his family and friends.
Jennifer and I send you all our love and support during this difficult time. We are so sorry for you loss. Please let us know if you need anything at any time.
So many memories of Ryan going back to all the kids in high school. A bright light always. Growing into such a loving caring young man and remaining a good friend of our family. Our hearts are with Rick and the very special Moberly family. We are so sorry for the loss of precious Ryan.
Sending you love and light in these difficult times. We are thinking of you dear Rick.
From your [solidcore] family with love,
Nicole & Melissa
Bill/Cathy,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Catherine,
There are no words to express the grief so many of us feel and share with you in Ryan’s death.
I did not know your son, but he sounds like a remarkable young man. His spirit will linger in your hearts, especially at Christmas in the years to come, deepening the mystery we all see revealed by the Star in Bethlehem. May the blooms of Ryan’s amazing life that will touch your days in the months and years to come bring you peace more than torment, and when you look up, I hope it is his smile you perceive in the stars that watch over his journey home.
God Bless you all. With our deepest condolences.
-Phil King & Cindy van Dijk
Our deepest condolences to Ryan’s family. We are so saddened by his passing. He was a light in this life who made it better for those around him. Things were always more fun with Ryan around, and it was obvious how much he loved to give to others. He was the best kind of friend you could want and will be so missed. I will always cherish the memories he gave us and hold him in my heart.
I met Ryan (and Rick) on a FOD cruise several years ago. Ryan was so full of life, always ready with a smile and I Ioved his great laugh. We lost touch a few years ago, but he’s someone I’ll never forget. Peace be with Rick and their families & friends. I know he loved you more than words can say.
I am so sorry to hear this news. Ryan was a neighbor of mine and I remember him as always being there when you need help of any kind. He was a kind and very unselfish person. Very sweet and caring. I am so sorry for your loss and I know he will be missed by anyone that knew him.
You will continue to inspire, energize, and shine bright. May we all find comfort in our memories. Rest Fabulously my friend!
May his memory be a blessing. My deepest condolences to Rick and family.
I am so sorry for your loss.
It is very hard to say something meaningful to a family after such a loss. Please receive my heartfelt condolences and a strong hug full of courage to face these difficult times.
(written from Chuck’s home in Southern France)
Rick and family I am so sorry for your loss, and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
A shining star I will be missed. Ryan was someone to be admired. Enjoying his light will be missed by all. My condolence to the family.
My deepest condolences to Rick and Ryan’s family. Ryan was the sweetest person ever. He made my years living in DC great. From giving me a VIP experience at Town on the weekends, to helping me move houses when I had no one else, to inviting me to family parties at his house, Ryan took good care of me, and I will forever cherish our memories, and miss his amazing & kind soul. Rest in Peace King!
Ryan: I didn’t have the privilege to know you in person, but after hundreds of family pictures with your husband Rick, my cousin, I am sure you were a wonderful human being. My condolences to all your family and to Rick.
I am so very sorry to hear of Ryan’s sudden passing, and my heart breaks for you all. I offer you my condolences, and am sending you love and light during this terrible time.
I have such great memories of Thanksgiving IHOP breakfasts with Rick and Ryan and Matt. My favorite was when we four were sitting together and me and Ryan were next to each other being loud and ridiculous (as we are) and Matt and Rick were sitting across from us the patient (and admiring, I’m sure ;) but MUCH MORE SUBDUED spouses, silently bonding over being married to brilliant butterflies who were screaming and giggling over something at godawfuloclock in the morning.
I am gonna miss Ryan so much.
Our deepest condolences to the Moberly family. Ryan was a strong member of both the Woodley and FCHS swim/dive family as well. I remember the fun pre-college trip to Radford, what an adventure! A light has gone out on earth but the heavens gained a star.
Gone too soon. Ryan was so special with his warm smile, willingness to go to any lengths to help anyone in need, and his great love for Rick, his family and chosen family and so many others. Sincere condolences.
I have fond memories of Ryan as a young student and of his wonderful family! My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all.
We are deeply sorry to hear of Ryan’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rick and the entire family. Ryan is another angel in Gods heaven.
– The Greenways
Although I didn’t know Ryan, he sounds like an amazing man. I know if he’s anything like his father, he touched many, many lives. Please accept my must heartfelt condolences Bill to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Oh Ryan, how you’ll be missed. I really thought I’d see you in Australia one day.
I knew Ryan as an elementary student at Graham Rd. He was smart and carefree. His parents were so supportive of our school. I was happy for him when he married and proud he and his husband Rick stood up for the LGBTQ community. Gone way too soon
Ryan was the kind of person that you instantly like and trust. Someone that made a lasting positive impression on me.
I remember him as being incredibly kind, fun, and caring.
My deepest condolences go out to his husband, family and friends. If anyone is deserving of bliss and paradise after this life, Ryan is most certainly one of those people.
Much of my teens, Ryan and I were joined at the hip. From working at Woodley together, Swim and Dive and going on any adventure we could we had so many amazing times together.
Ryan was a selfless person who always gave his whole being to his friends and loved ones. To know him was to be loved and cared for.
My love and prayers go to his family and friends and anyone who was touched by Ryan’s larger than life personality. He will be missed immensely.
I did not know Ryan extremely well personally, but I have known Kristin since high school. When I would spend time with Ryan at Kristin and David’s house for a gathering, I could tell he was a bright soul that everyone loved having around and he was very kind to me. The bond their family shares is very special. I mourn the deep loss all of Ryan’s family and friends are feeling, but may he Rest In Peace knowing he was loved and cherished beyond what words can express.
Words can not express the sadness of Ryan passing . Ours condolences to Ricky and the Moberly and Bennett family. Since we first met I feel his love for life people and pets . He has a special place in my heart and memories 🙏🏼💐. R. I. P. my friend .
My deepest sympathies and condolences to Ryan’s family. He was always a delight to work with at Town and he will be missed dearly.
Our deepest sympathy for all of Ryan’s family. Our memories are full of great stories of him from our days at Woodley together. He will be forever remembered as a joyful and happy person to be with. Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear this news. Our prayers and thoughts will be with all his loved ones.
Ryan was my introduction to one some of my best friends. Jokingly called him “mama” because he always made sure those around him were taken care of. The world lost someone special but I couldn’t think of a better angel to be watching over us.
Ryan lit up every room he entered. I only feel sadness now because of the joy that precedes it. Sending love to Rick and all the Moberlys and Bennetts.
We didn’t spend much time with Ryan but when we did he was always so kind. He was always smiling and laughing. It was obvious how close you all were as a family and our hearts break for you knowing the pain you have to endure. He will never be forgotten.
I am so sorry – I have worked on and foff with Ryan on many events over ten years and Ryan was always the bight spot – never complaining andway lifting everyone up everyone else. I will miss him
My deepest condolences to Rick, the Moberly family and all of Ryan’s cherished loved ones. My heart is broken. Ryan was a one of a kind person who left an impact on everyone he met. He was affectionately “Mama” to so many people with his warm spirit. He will be deeply missed.
I met Ryan through mutual friends about 20 years ago. I haven’t seen Ryan in many years but I’ll never forget him. He always made me laugh, was kind, and made sure everyone was taken care of. He was an incredible person with a big heart. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
We would like to extended our condolences.
Our thoughts and prayer with the family, continue to rely on God and know that he’s your prayers,
because he cares for you. Truly sorry for your loss.
My heart is so heavy. It seems impossible that Ryan could be gone because his personality was always larger than life. He was the leader of our eclectic group of friends in high school, which was a role he played well because he was so good at looking after us all. When I think of the time spent with Ryan, I think of summer nights and laughter. Sending my love to you all.
My sincerest heartfelt condolences for Ryan’s family. He truly was an earth angel. He was a wonderfully warm and kind human being. One I was lucky to know. My heart is with you all.
Rick, family and friends,
I first extend my deepest condolences for the loss of Ryan. I will never forget the day I met all of you and every time afterwards. The first time I walked into the house on a Friday night Ryan rushed to get me a plate and chair to sit at the table. Ryan was definitely a shining light during my time in DC welcoming me to a table I didn’t need to be welcomed to and continuing to welcome me. And I can’t forget his “haayyy girl” every time you entered the house or sent him a text. He will be greatly missed.
I’m deeply sorry for your family’s loss. I did not know him well, but every time I was around he was kind, funny, hilarious actually, always smiling, and all around a awesome person. Prayers for your family during this during this difficult and tragic time. With much love.
Words cannot convey the sadness I feel for you all at the loss of Ryan.
My heart is very heavy mourning such a wonderful young man.