Ernie Ryther Obituary (1951

Goodwell, Oklahoma - Ernest Vernon Ryther, III, 59, passed away early Sunday, August 7, 2011 at his home. The son of Mary Ruth (Fulton) and Ernest Vernon Ryther, II, he was born August 16, 1951 in Duncan, Oklahoma. The Rythers moved to Goodwell and Ernie graduated from GHS with the Class of 1969. In 1974 he graduated from Panhandle State University with an education degree. He spent several years in Idaho working for the United States Forest Service and then returned to Oklahoma where he continued his education and began his career as a professional counselor. He obtained a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Oklahoma, Norman and Ernie never stopped learning or helping others. He was employed as a counselor at the Panhandle Treatment Center and later the Next Step Network; for several years he also owned a book store and worked for Wego Services; was the Administrator at the Texas County Youth Detention Center in Hooker, OK and most recently worked at the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health. The people he counseled and the lives he helped through the years were immeasurable. He was a longtime friend and benefactor, 28+ years, to Bill W. He was a member of Panhandle Centenary United Methodist Church. In 2009 Ernie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but he did not hear the diagnosis or statistics of his disease. He continued working and counseling through his months of medical treatment and was able to work and enjoy his friends until his last days. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his brother, Richard Lee Ryther of Goodwell; an aunt, Fern Davis of Marlow, Oklahoma; many relatives and many more good friends. Funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon, August 12, 2011, 2:00 PM at the Panhandle Centenary United Methodist Church, 203 North Main, Goodwell with Rev. Alex True, pastor, officiating. Interment will follow in Goodwell Cemetery. Friends may come by the Henson-Novak Funeral Home, 501 NW Fifth, Guymon for viewing anytime Wednesday evening, 6-9:00 PM and Thursday, 9:00 AM-9:00 PM, Memorials may be given to the Panhandle Services for Children, c/o Henson-Novak, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942.