Ryder Carl Sroufe, 25, of South Whitley, IN, passed away unexpectedly on January 14, 2025 as a result of a traffic accident due to weather conditions near Kalamazoo, MI.

Born on March 26, 1999, in Huntington, IN Ryder brought immense joy and love to all who knew him. Ryder graduated in 2018 from Eagle Tech Academy in Columbia City, IN. During his high school years, he was a member of the Columbia City Eagles Football Team, a 10-year member of Whitley County 4H, a member of the Huntington County 4H Robotics Team #1501 and an active member of the community.

Upon graduation, Ryder began his career at Faztec LLC in Fort Wayne, IN and continued his employment within the company at its sister organization, NIA, also based in Fort Wayne, IN

Ryder was a co-leader of the Whitley County 4H Archery Club and a Mentor of the Robotics Team #1501.  In the spring and summers he could often be found umping at the South Whitley Youth League fields where he played as a child.  Ryder enjoyed participating in local demolition derbys and attending local racing events. Above all, Ryder cherished the time he spent with family, friends and his beloved dog, Bentley. A friend to all, he enjoyed working with the youth and giving back to his community.  His life is gone too soon, and he will be missed by all he touched.

Ryder is survived by his loving parents, Craig and Ronda (Grube) Sroufe; his proud sister, Sage Sroufe; and his grandparents, Linda (Randy Gaff) Dafforn and John Dafforn. His family and friends will remember him for his kind heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering loyalty to those he held dear.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 21st, 2pm – 8pm and Funeral Service will be Wednesday, January 22nd at 11:00am with visitation an hour prior at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, IN

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Whitley County 4H or The Ryder Sroufe Memorial Scholarship Fund at Whitley County Community Foundation.

Ryder will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of his loved ones.