Ryan Christopher Schantz

Ryan Christopher Schantz, age 46 passed away in Manteca, California on Saturday, September 19, 2026.

He was born on July 21, 1980 in Colusa, California to Sharlene Rae Swinney and Keith Elwyn Schantz.

Ryan grew up in Colusa County, CA having lived in Williams, Arbuckle and Grimes. He also spent time in Grass Valley, Woodland and Knights Landing, California. He attended Pierce High School and later relocated to Roseburg, Oregon where he attended Roseburg High School.

Ryan was a welder fabricator by trade and worked in many capacities including Morgan Built Trailers, Thuro-Bilt Trailers, Con-Vey Keystone and North River Boats in Roseburg, Oregon and American Crane Rental in Manteca, California. Both his passion for the trade and amazing natural talents made him a great fabricator, capable of fixing or building just about anything.

He loved anything on wheels. Growing up, he rode three-wheelers and watched his dad drive truck. He loved riding ATVs at the Oregon dunes, and later built a dirt bike for his son Brody.

Ryan rarely lacked company, he loved to be surrounded by his children, friends, family and his dogs. Company or not he was always surrounded by music and shared it with all those he loved. His natural habitat was outside, usually in his shop tinkering with his Ford F-150 or a project he'd started up. Despite its challenges, he had gratitude for his life and the people in it.

Ryan was preceded in death by his sister Tephany Schantz, his mother Sharlene Swinney, his sister Cheree Nelson, his nephew Joseph W. Sullivan, his brother Joseph L. Sullivan, his stepmother Pamela Sullivan "Nana Pam" and his niece Savannah Jones.

Those left to honor his memory are Brandi Schantz, his son Brody Schantz, his daughter Bailey Schantz, his father Keith E. Schantz, his brother Keith J. Schantz and wife Tasha, his sister Veda Malone, his brother GaryLee Sullivan, Heather Harrison, his sister Ashley Mahling and husband Matt and so many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and his most loyal dog Lexi.

A viewing will be held at Wilson's Chapel of the Roses in Roseburg, Oregon on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 11am followed by the funeral service at 12pm. A procession will follow immediately after for a graveside dedication at Roseburg Memorial Gardens.