Ryland “Ry” Sorensen passed away at Fort Harrison, Montana, on Wednesday, July 14, 2016, as a result of long-term effects from a brain injury he suffered in 2006. Most recently Ry fought and beat Lymphoma yet his body was tired and he is now at peace.
Ry was born in Yankton, S.D., to Virgil and Dorothy Sorensen. He grew up in Rapid City, S.D. and left home at age 17 to join the Navy, where he proudly served from 1965-1969. Ry was the recipient of the Purple Heart Award and numerous other military honors. He then returned to school to earn his GED, followed by a degree in English, graduating with a B.A. degree in 1973 with a double major in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in History from Northern State College in Aberdeen, S.D.
He married Peggy Swenson in 1967; from that union Ross was born. They later divorced, and Ry married Kathi Durheim, who brought her son Scott to their union; Ry considered Scott to be his son, as well. And in 1975, daughter Christina joined the family. Ry worked as a chemical dependency counselor in Aberdeen, S.D.; then the Sorensen’s lived in Mobridge, S.D. where Ry worked as a probation officer for the 5th Circuit Court. In 1980, the Sorensen’s moved to Billings where Ry began his long, rewarding career at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Over the course of 26 years, Ry served as a house parent, the Director of Social Services, the Director of Operations, and in 2004, as the CEO.
Ry truly believed in and lived the motto of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch: “It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares.” He devoted his life to children’s mental health services and cared deeply about the children as well as staff at the Ranch. Ry will be remembered by so many for his service to others—both in the military and in his work at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
His family and friends will lovingly remember his dry sense of humor, his captivating voice and his infinite wisdom that he shared with so many. They also remember what an eloquent, animated speaker he was and how he “spoke with his hands.”
Ry was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, a sister, and a grandchild. He is survived by son Scott Sorensen of Apple Valley, CA; son Ross Sorensen (wife Jessica and children Cole and Audrey); and daughter Christina Ward (husband James and children Preston Kavlie, Sydne Kavlie, Cassidy Ward, and Lizzie Ward.) He is also survived by his sister Virginia Keller and brother Marty Sorensen.
Funeral services with military honors will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church at 328 So. Shiloh Road, in Billings, Montana, on Friday, July 22, at 11:00 AM. Following the service, a celebration of Ry’s life reception will be held at the Masonic Lodge in Laurel. At Ry’s youngest granddaughter Lizzie’s request, yellow and green balloons will be released at the reception in celebration of her Poppa’s party in Heaven and a life well-lived. Dad, we will always know that in your heart you finished well. A Graveside Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday July 25th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Helena, Montana.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to Frontier Cancer Center, SVH ICU staff and Ft. Harrison Hospital. Dr. Sorensen walked our family through some of our darkest times all the while bringing humor and reality simultaneously. Thank you for treating our Dad / Poppa with dignity and compassion.
Memorials are suggested to the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation, 2050 Overland Ave., Billings MT 59102. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ry.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 22, 2016
Emmanuel Baptist Church
328 S. Shiloh Road
Billings, Montana 59106
Celebration of His Life
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 22, 2016
Masonic Lodge
9900 Laurel Airport Road
Laurel, Montana 59044
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday July 22, 2016
Emmanuel Baptist Church
328 S. Shiloh Road
Billings, Montana 59106
Celebration of His Life
Following the Funeral Service
Friday July 22, 2016
Masonic Lodge
9900 Laurel Airport Road
Laurel, Montana 59044
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday July 25, 2016
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Montana
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Ross Sorensen says
“It’s not about a feeling, it’s about what you know to be true.” Thank you Dad for that piece of wisdom that continues to help me navigate life today. I love you and thank God with all that I can for the honor of being your son. The motto, “It sure makes a difference when you know somebody cares.” will be carried on Dad! Please hold a place for me next to you at the grand dinner table. I’ll be there when He says it is time. Love, Ross
Jame & Christina Ward says
I miss you each night as I know that it means I have lived without you on this Earth for another day. It was an honor to serve and care for you in your last years Dad. We wouldn’t have changed a thing for you taught us so much more through it than you realized. What do we know to be true? You loved your family and we are proud to call you Dad.
James and Chris
Janet Anderson says
I was so saddened to hear of Ry’s passing. Scott and Chris and Ross you were pretty young when I was working under your father’s supervision at YBGR so you probably won’t remember me. Kathi you will probably remember me. I knew that Ry was a fine man but I had no idea that he was a decorated veteran nor was I aware of some of the previous jobs he had held that were of service to those in trouble. It sounds like things got very difficult for all of you in the past few years. I am so sorry to hear that. Be comforted by the good times; the love and the laughter and the family bond that you had. He will live on in your hearts forever.
Sherm Weimer says
I worked with Ry very briefly at YBR – I was in the process of leaving as he was joining the staff there. It was clear from the very beginning that he was dedicated to the YBR philosophy, and I’m not surprised that he remained there and eventually became the CEO. Condolences to the family on the loss of this fine man.
Wendi Hudson says
You all have gone through some difficult times. I know that God has, and will continue to be by your side as you walk this path. We love you all and continue to pray for you.
Art Thompson says
Ry spent many of his final years at Billings Health and Rehab, and for several of those years, I was fortunate enough to be his driver. What an impressive figure he was. Keen intelligence. Wry (pun intended) humor. And all class.
My condolences to his beloved family. I will join his many friends and colleagues, and remember him as the consummate gentleman.
Betty Jean Mertens (BJ) says
I was the maid of honor at Ry and Peggy’s wedding. We went through many memorable times during those college years. Later my daughter, Lorri, went to one of his seminars at Northern when she was attending there. I loved and cared for Ry and was so happy to hear he had found his calling as a speaker. My husband, Gene, and he became friends when their paths crossed while in law enforcement. I wish I could have connected with him again in later life, but he will always have an impact on us and our lives here in Kennebec SD.
Kristen says
Will miss Ry’s voice, each day in passing him a simple hello and how is your day. Even a small smile he would share with me even when he did not feel good this would warm my heart. Jimmy John’s and root beer. Love you Ry, you will be missed you are loved.
Mary Adam says
Ry really helped me through a tough time professionally and emotionally. Take comfort in the way that he lived his life. I will forever remember the presence he brought to a room just by walking in and his hypnotic, calming voice.
Isabel Lundin says
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Ry did this. He always gave 100% and the phrases not in my job description or I’m too busy just weren’t in his vocabulary. On a weekend in 1992, Ry and Kathi welcomed my husband and me in their living room when I arrived on campus for my interview at YBGR. Welcome to “Montuna” he said, smiling as they extended their hospitality and put us both at ease. I had the privilege to work with Ry for about fifteen years. To know Ry was to know he loved the Lord and his family. And, he was so dedicated to showing the youth at YBGR compassion and dignity. His standards for care were high. He had a huge impact on the youth during his years as COO, President and CEO. He showed me and other staff many kindnesses. Our sympathy and prayers for comfort are extended to Ry’s family. And just this morning I thought about how much Ry loved the hymn “I want to see Jesus.” And to think, now he has……..
Jame & Christina Ward says
Thank you all, for your kind words and memories.
Roger and Peggy DeWild says
We knew and worked with Ry, in the late 80’s at Gerard in Minnesota. He was the new director, and did a really great job. He would work beside us and help us find solutions, rather than tell us what to do. Sadly time, and space, as they moved back west, we lost contact with the Sorensens.
We won’t foget the memories, Ry encouraging Roger in the facility kitchen, him joining in playing with the kids, rather than from afar. He held our little girl, even after she spit up on him several times, around a bonfire. May God surround you in a peaceful hug.
Marilyn Malone-Pope says
I first met Lynn (as he was referred to then) in 1967.
After my high school graduation I was able to spend time in Honolulu with my cousin and his wife. My cousin was with the US Navy onboard the USS PHILIP at Pearl Harbor. My cousin introduced us and we came to be great friends during my month long stay in Hawaii. I will never forget his deep voice and the twinkle in his eye and his intelligence. I think he was the personnel officer on the ship. A couple of times he came out to California to visit his friend whose last name was Mancini. I don’t recall his first name. While Lynn was out this way we were able to
touch base as well. Of course, during the years we lost touch but I never forgot him for befriending me during my time in Hawaii. Lots of good memories.
God bless your family.