Ricardo

Gbah

Ricardo Gbah

January 12, 1999 – November 4, 2026

Ricardo Gbah, beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away on November 4, 2026, at the age of 27. Born on January 12, 1999, in the Ivory Coast, Africa, Ricardo's life was a remarkable story of perseverance, faith, love, and the pursuit of a better life.

Ricardo spent the first 15 years of his life living in a refugee camp in Liberia, holding onto dreams of a brighter future and working hard toward the opportunity for a different life. On October 14, 2015, those dreams brought him to the United States. Through the incredible work of Bethany Christian Services, he was welcomed into a foster home in Belding, Michigan, that would become his family in every way that mattered. What began as a new beginning became a lifelong bond, and he would forever be loved as a son and brother.

Although the legal system did not allow for a traditional adoption because of his age, there was never any question about where Ricardo belonged. In fact, he had plans to add Summers as his middle name once he received his U.S. citizenship in the coming year, followed by an adult adoption to make official what had always been true in their hearts. A piece of paper was never needed to define their relationship or the depth of their love for one another.

Ricardo shared an especially close bond with his siblings, Izzy, Avery, and Amelia. They weren't simply siblings by circumstance; they were best friends, partners in countless memories, and an important part of one another's lives. They grew together, laughed together, made memories together, and shared a connection that will never be broken. The love they shared was deep, genuine, and unmistakable.

Ricardo graduated from Belding High School in 2019 and went on to build a life filled with hard work, friendships, and love. He was employed at Quality Edge in Walker, Michigan, where his strong work ethic and dedication earned him the respect of his coworkers. Ricardo was one of the hardest workers you could meet. He liked to get things done, and preferably get them done fast! Sometimes his enthusiasm and determination came with a little chaos, earning him the familiar reminder from those who loved him to stop being a "bull in a china shop." If you knew Ricardo, you know exactly what that meant.

There was never much question when Ricardo entered a room. He was often the life of the party, always talking, cracking jokes, making people laugh, and filling the space around him with music. He loved music and rarely went without it playing in the background. Soccer was another lifelong passion. He loved both playing and watching the game, and his determination was evident even on the field. At just 16 years old, he played an entire soccer season with a torn meniscus rather than give up the game he loved.

He also loved food, and he wasn't particularly picky as long as it wasn't spicy! Chicken and rice held a special place in his heart, and growing up, it wasn't unusual for him to request it day after day. He loved spending time with family, especially when games were involved. Monopoly, 5 Crowns and Ludo were his favorites, and he could be counted on to ask the family to play every time they gathered.

In 2021, Ricardo met the love of his life, Gracia. He loved her faithfully and wholeheartedly, and the two were married on July 20, 2024. Together they built a life and a family, and welcomed their greatest blessing, their son, Moses. Being a husband and father brought out a side of Ricardo that shone even brighter when Gracia and Moses were near. Moses was his absolute pride and joy. The two shared so much in common, from their love of music to their goofy personalities. Ricardo adored his son, and there was no question that being his dad was one of the greatest joys of his life. He was an amazing husband and father, and his love for them was evident in everything he did.

Ricardo was a giver, never a taker. He worked hard for what he had, but was always willing to share whatever he could if it meant blessing a friend or family member. He never took the blessings in his life for granted and found joy in being able to bless others in return. His generosity, loyalty, humor, and unmistakable personality left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Ricardo's greatest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was not simply something he talked about; it was the foundation on which he built his life. He attended Family Life Center in Belding for many years before marrying Gracia and moving to the Grand Rapids area. There, he and Gracia attended The Way Pentecostal Church in Wyoming, where they served together in ministry. Ricardo's greatest desire was for others to experience the personal relationship with Jesus that meant so much to him. He often spoke of God as his best friend, and he wanted everyone to know that same love and hope.

Even in his final days, Ricardo continued to turn to Jesus for comfort and strength. Surrounded by family and friends, he worshiped, prayed, and held onto his faith. Even in the darkest and most difficult moments, he believed that if it was God's will, he would be healed. His faith never wavered, and the hope he found in Christ remained at the center of his life until the very end.

Ricardo was preceded in death by his biological parents; his grandmother, Kristen Summers; and his great-grandmother, Alice Overton.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Gracia Gbah, and their beloved son, Moses Gbah; his parents, James and Tiffany Summers; his siblings, Izzy, Avery, and Amelia Summers; his grandparents, Bill and Sharyn Overton and Jimmie Summers; his parents-in-law, Eric and Emily Joldersma; his siblings-in-law, Jack (fiance Mackenzie Kramer), Eva, Maislin (fiance Logan Swiney), Cici and Van Joldersma, Jesus Serrano, Remi and Julie Kaluba, Julie; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends and loved ones both locally and across the globe.

Ricardo's life may not have been measured by the number of years he had, but by the lives he touched, the love he gave, and the memories he leaves behind. He came to this country dreaming of a better life, and in the years he was given, he built one filled with family, friendship, purpose, and faith. He will be remembered for his big personality, his endless talking, his laughter, his music, his generous heart, and most importantly, the love he had for his family and his Savior.

He fought the good fight. He finished his race. He kept the faith.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will give to me.”  2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)

Celebration of Life

Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Ricardo's life and the incredible impact he made on all who knew and loved him.

Friday, November 13th

Visitation - 6:00pm - 7:00pmOfield Funeral Home

4500 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Saturday, November 14th

Funeral Service - 10:00amCalvary Christian Reformed Church

3500 Byron Center Ave SW, Wyoming, MI 49519

Graveside Service - 1pm

Orleans Cemetery

6122 Orleans Rd, Orleans MI 48865

Luncheon - 2:30pm

Family Life Center Church of God

8683 Storey Rd, Belding, MI 48809

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Ricardo's memory may make a donation to a fund being established for his son, Moses. Contributions will be set aside to help provide for Moses's future needs and opportunities as he grows. More information regarding the fund and how to contribute will be shared as it becomes available.