Layton Steel Ridgedell

Layton Steel Ridgedell, age 18, of Westerville, Ohio, died Friday June 3, 2022 in Westerville, Ohio. He was born June 19, 2003 in Portsmouth, Ohio, a son of James (Chelsea Johnston) Ridgedell of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and Shawna Bobst of Westerville, Ohio. In addition to his parents, he is survived by five brothers and sisters, Jadin Dickerson of Florida, Lawston Ridgedell of Columbus, Ohio, Rylin Tackett of Lucasville, Ohio, Adalyn Harrington of Columbus, Ohio, and Suzannah Hitch of Morehead, Kentucky, maternal grandparents, Kenny and Kathy Bobst of Beaver, Ohio, and paternal grandmother, Elaine Cash of Watson, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jerry Ridgedell.

Layton was a outgoing charismatic young man with a great heart and protective nature. From a very young age he gravitated to those less fortunate and in need of a hug or to help in anyway he could. Often times stepping in to protect people he didn’t know, his compassionate heart and caring spirit never wavered. 
To coworker’s, seeing the schedule that you’ll be on the same shift, brought a smile to their faces. They knew if a hug was needed or a day turned around, it would happen then. He touched so many lives in so many different ways. He literally loved everyone he met. 
His little sister Adalyn was his heart. You could see him glow when he’d talk about her. 
He and his younger brother Rylin were a support system for each other knowing they could always count on the other when they needed someone to talk to, often over playing video games late into the night and early mornings. 
Layton and his older brother Lawston had the classic relationship that brothers often times do. Disagreements and competitiveness eventually gave way to love and understanding as they grew into men and realized they were the same person. Unprompted boxing and wrestling matches in the house were one of their many favorite pastimes. 
His oldest brother Jadin was simply a hero. Layton saw so much of what he wanted to be in Jadin. They’re late night phone calls would last for hours. He enjoyed sharing the music Jadin made with his friends. 
To Layton’s grandparents he was a helper in the kitchen, a cuddle buddy on the couch watching movies and a never ending source of entertainment. To his grandma Kathy he was Buba. Yes B-U-B-A cause grandma said. No-Bake cookies were a favorite and they enjoyed playing games of any kind. Often rewinding the movie Jingle All The Way several times a day even when it wasn’t the Christmas season. 
Layton wanted everyone to be happy but happiness for his mom was his greatest concern. He was her best friend, her son, her everything. Often only the two of them at home, they would watch movies together in the evening’s after long shifts at work and school. He would always make her smile and melt away anything that was weighing on her mind and heart. The bond they had was truly special. 
Layton shared many interest with his dad, including their love for playing guitar. When he was young they would enjoy time outdoors making camp fires at night and playing basketball and football with his brothers. Layton also enjoyed hiking and boat riding with his dad, riding the tube behind the boat was his favorite. He always wanted to go “just one more time”. 
Everyone that knew Layton loved him. We were so lucky to have him in our lives. He made everyone around him better. He was a light wherever he would go. Layton will be missed but in his own way, he will be with us forever. 

Funeral services will be 4:00 P.M. Thursday June 9, 2022 at the Cox Burkitt Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Hedden officiating. Burial will follow in the Beaver Union Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. Wednesday June 8, 2022 at the funeral home.

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