Donald E. Ryburn

Donald E. Ryburn, 71, of Washington, died Monday, February 23, 2015, in his home on the family farm. He was born October 9, 1943, on the family farm in Chartiers Township, a son of the late Kenneth A. Ryburn and Leanna Litman Ryburn. A graduate of Fort Cherry High School, Mr. Ryburn was the 6th-generation farmer on his family’s farm, which was started in 1793. In his younger years, he was a member of FFA and 4H and enjoyed showing horses and Guernsey cattle. Mr. Ryburn was a member of Crossroads Presbyterian Church, Washington County Horse and Mule Association, Pennsylvania Draft Horse Association, Belgian Draft Horse Corporation of America and Dairy Farmers of America. A practical joker, he never met a stranger and was a father figure to many children that came around or grew up on the farm. Mr. Ryburn enjoyed many things, including hunting, showing his six-horse Belgian mare hitch team across the country, and visiting his Amish friends in Ohio on their farms. But, by far, his greatest enjoyment was spending time with his granddaughter, Maddie. On October 7, 1967, he married Phyllis Ramage, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Robert “Bruce” Ryburn and Joseph “Mark” Ryburn (Niki), both of Washington; a sister, Ida Jane Plance (Leroy) of Wellsboro; a granddaughter, Madison “Maddie;” father-in-law, Frank L. Ramage; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. and Friday from 2 till 9 p.m., in Building 4 at the Washington County Fairgrounds, where services will be held at Noon, Saturday, February 28th, with Rev. Bruce Merritt officiating. Burial will follow on the family farm. Immediately following the burial, a luncheon will be held in Building 4 at the fairgrounds. Memorial donations may be made to Washington County Horse and Mule Association, 2151 North Main Street, Washington, PA 15301 or to the Washington County Fair at the same address.