Regardless of his various trials and tribulations his family and friends could always count on their #1 Buckeye fan, Joshua Holtrey to lift their spirits and brighten their day. He lost his battle with Cerebral Palsy unexpectedly on Monday morning, April 26, 2010, at the Morrow County Hospital Emergency Room.
Joshua Ryan Holtrey, age 28, was born on April 5, 1982, in Mount Gilead the son of Chris Holtrey and Alisa Holtrey, both of Mount Gilead.
A student of Whetstone Schools, Joshie later was dedicated himself to Whetstone Industries, where he worked in the newspaper department sorting newspapers.
Although Joshua could not communicate in a “traditional” manor, words were not required to show the love and compassion he had for his family and friends.
While some may find it unusual that Joshua laughed at you if you stubbed a toe or banged your finger on something, family and friends found themselves doing it intentionally just to hear Joshua’s contagious laughter.
An avid Ohio State Buckeye football fan, Joshua loved cheering on his favorite team.
Always one to keep his mind active, Joshua routinely wore out the pens on his Magna Doodle going through several every year.
Joshie had a special relationship with his nieces and nephews, feeding and burping them as infants. Also more recently, while on his “voom voom chair”, he would race them on their bikes up and down the driveway, or he would play catch with them for hours.
With his heart warming smile, Joshua absolutely loved “flirting with the ladies.”
Joshua will be remembered as a young man who had all the reasons in the world to be upset with his circumstances. Instead he lived his life with a smile on his face and an unending love for those around him.
He will be dearly missed by his mother, Alisa Holtrey of Mount Gilead; his father, Chris (Colleen) Holtrey of Mount Gilead; his brother, Jeremy (Mollie) Holtrey of Edison; paternal grandparents: Jo Ann and Lew Holtrey of Columbus; great grandmother, Catherine Hanna of Worthington; nieces and nephews: Austan, Alyvia, Allasyn and Avery; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Delores and Orville Coots.
Joshua’s family will greet friends from 4 – 7 p.m. on Thursday April 29, 2010, at the Snyder Funeral Home, 76 South Main Street, Mount Gilead. A service celebrating Joshua’s life will be held there on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jay Weaver officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Whetstone Industries, to go towards the levy, and they may be sent to the funeral home.
Joshua’s family would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to Pam Conrad and Gladys Shipley, who both gave him loving and unconditional care for many years.
For those wishing to express their condolences to Joshua’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
About Marion Online Obituaries
