Ryan Keith Berkhalter

Ryan Keith Berkhalter, fondly known as “Hambone,” passed away unexpectedly on June 28, 2026, with the love of his family at his side. He was the beloved son of Randle Keith Berkhalter and Stephanie Allison (Birch) Berkhalter, born in Atchison, Kansas, on September 28, 2009.

Ryan’s smile and laughter brought warmth into every room he entered. Even as a little one, Ryan was remarkably gifted; at just one year old, he discovered how to navigate the iPad, amazing everyone with his quick mind and innate feel for technology. This early curiosity only grew, and soon there was no device Ryan couldn’t master. His resourcefulness was legendary among family and friends—Ryan always seemed to find a way to get exactly what he wanted, and he knew it, too. As the youngest, he carried the playful conviction that he was the favorite, deserving of all the best life offered and that he ought to be Da Boss.

He poured his heart into the things that made him happiest. His love for video games was his passion. Whether lost in the worlds of his favorite games or shooting hoops on the basketball court, Ryan thrived in moments of joy and play. Food was another delight—especially pizza, which he appreciated most when left alone with it. His family soon learned never to put onions or pickles on his burgers—he knew exactly what he liked.

Ryan shared a special bond with his grandma Carla, whom he charmingly persuaded to link her credit card to his gaming accounts—a family story that led to the term “V-Bucks” echoing through their cherished relationship. Through these little victories, Ryan showed his family the fullness of his cleverness of his personality, which will be remembered fondly for years to come.

He was deeply treasured by all who loved him. Ryan is survived by his parents, Randle Keith Berkhalter and Stephanie Allison Berkhalter; and his sister, Rayne Kierra Berkhalter. His great-grandmother, Mildred Birch, continues his legacy of love, as do his grandmothers, Carla Vaughn, Ora Berkhalter, Gloria Davis, and his grandfather, Tony Ross. His surviving aunts and uncles include, Delbert (Marilyn) Berkhalter, Vicki Birch, Tammy Houston, Sharon Tidwell, Dionne Berkhalter, Gary Birch, Dawn Finney Downing, Courtney "CoCo" Haley, Dale "Mazio" Birch, Adam (Tracy) Birch, Jeremiah Berkhalter, Michelle Birch, Joshua Berkhalter and numerous cousins.

Ryan’s memory is also cherished alongside those beloved family members who passed before him: his grandfather’s George Berkhalter and Jake Vaughn, his grandmother Delores Downing, his aunt, Rogena Richards, and uncles Glenn Downing and Matthew "Chic" Downing.

Though Ryan’s time with us was heartbreakingly brief, the brilliance of his spirit left indelible marks on the hearts of everyone who knew him. His intelligence, wit, and fierce sense of self shone through in every moment—a precious reminder to savor joy, embrace curiosity, and love shamelessly.

Ryan’s family thanks all who have shared in his life’s journey and join in remembrance of his extraordinary light.

Ryan’s life will be celebrated with a Homegoing Service on Thursday July 9, 2026, 11:00 AM at the First Christian Church, 301 N. 7th Street in Atchison, with Rev. Paul Kelley providing words of comfort. Friends and family are invited to join together on Wednesday evening, July 8, 2026, for a visitation beginning at 6:00 PM followed by a time of shared memories and stories to start at 7:00 PM at the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home. The service will be livestreamed and can be found under the obituary text at www.arensbergpruett.com.