Ravyn Thetphasone

Ravyn Thetphasone enjoyed living his life to the fullest. Nothing brought him greater joy than to make others happy. He was always smiling and genuinely interested in people. Rayvn was a good listener and enjoyed making others feel comfortable in his presence. Gone too soon, he leaves behind a rich collection of memories for his many special friends and family to cherish forever.

Ravyn’s story began in the year 1994. Serbia continued attacks on Bosnia, Nelson Mandela was elected President of South Africa, and O.J. Simpson fled the police in his white Bronco making the nation stand on edge. Kizzy and Oubonesak “Eung” Thetphasone were pleased to announce the birth of their baby boy, Ravyn, on March 15th, in Holland, Michigan. His birth brought much joy and promise in an era of great change.

Rayvn grew up in a large family and was proud to be a role model as a big brother to his many siblings. He and his family were active members in Shekinah Revival Ministries Church where they enjoyed attending Christmas recitals and practicing for the Easter plays. Rayvn was drawn to a close relationship with God and enjoyed worship music from a young age. As a youngster, Ravyn loved anything Pokemon and enjoyed watching their cartoons. Like most kids that were born during his generation, he fell in love with gaming. Rayvn loved to spend time with friends playing games or watching action superhero movies. He had a vast collection of stuffed animals as well. He attended Vanderbilt Charter Academy until the eighth grade and then transferred to Holland High School. Rayvn had a wide imagination and enjoyed telling stories and discussing just about any topic. Graduating with the Class of 2013, Rayvn always dreamed of becoming a writer.

Rayvn was especially close with his family. He looked forward to each and every holiday spent with them. An avid foodie, he loved to try new things but was a big fan of his Nana’s homemade dishes and his mom’s baked goods. When it came to his favorite foods, Rayvn enjoyed tacos and Reuben sandwiches. Dinner out usually included a stop at either the Cracker Barrel or Thai Avenue, two of his favorite places in town. Rayvn enjoyed their family trips together over the years to Michigan’s Upper Penisula with a stop at the Oswald Bear Ranch. He absolutely loved the bears! He also enjoyed traveling to The Ark Encounter in Grant County, Kentucky, and to the Creation Museum in Lewisburg, Tennessee. On each of these trips, Rayvn enjoyed taking in the sights and exploring new areas. He loved each and every moment spent with his family and always looked back on these special times. Any amount of time they were together his heart was content.

Rayvn had many special pastimes. He enjoyed following the Monday Night RAW Wrestling program. When it came to sports, he shared a loved of the University of Michigan football team with his mom. Season after season, win or lose, they remained loyal fans. Ravyn enjoyed listening to the old classic music of Ray Charles and Johnny Cash. All in all, video games were his favorite hobby. He was gifted with computers and typical of young adults his age, he loved Anime, YouTube, comic books, Pokemon, and the popular Japanese television series; Dragon Ball Z and Yu-Gi-Oh. Anyone who knew Rayvn also knew that his stuffed animals were his most prized possessions. They were considered his own personal family. Optimistic as well as outgoing, being surrounded by people he loved, meant the most to him. Rayvn leaves behind a wonderful collection of happy memories and good times. Sadly, he is gone. May his loved ones look back fondly on the imprint he left on their hearts and may his memories endure forever.

Ravyn J. Thetphasone, age 27, of Dorr, MI, died Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Holland Hospital. He was preceded in death by grandfathers; Rickey Ray Tucker and Kongmy Thetphasone, step-grandfather Mike Gonzales, and great grandmothers Georgia Hardin and Martha Sanchez. Left to cherish and celebrate his memory are his parents: Kizzy and Ronald Smith of Holland and Oubonesak “Eung” Thetphasone; grandparents: Sam and Janet Olund of Dorr; Liane Thetphasone of Milwaukee, WI; grandparents: Ronald and Tisa Smith of Chicago, IL, and Janettia Gordon; brothers and sisters: Zeyhan Watson, Raekwon Smith, Ronald Smith Jr., Sha-Ron Smith, Rashon Smith, Joel Williams, Zeyairah Watson, Tehja Martin, Gabrielle Smith, Anistajha Smith, Octavia Fuller, Zuriel Horn and Brianna Thetphasone; nieces and nephews: Azaliah, Jabari, Jaylen and Analiah Williams and Terraji Tiana Neal; aunts and uncles: James Hardin, Khambeng Thetphasone, Lote and Don White and Jackie Olund and Ryan Griffin; cousins: Anthony, Kamrie, Kalisha, and Kizzy Lynn Hardin and Shanice Ladarom; many extended family and friends.

A funeral service will be 12 pm, Monday, December 27, 2021, at Dykstra Funeral Homes-Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue in Holland. Rev. Bill Montgomery will be officiating. Burial will Salem Twp. Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11-11:45 am at Northwood Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.